Thailand pauses data centre projects to establish comprehensive national standards and align with climate goals

The Thai government has halted 166 data-centre projects amid plans to introduce a unified national framework, reflecting concerns over resource use and sustainability as it aims to boost eco-friendly digital infrastructure.

Thailand has halted progress on 166 data-centre projects while it draws up a new national framework for the sector, in a move that underlines growing official concern over power demand, water use and site planning. The pause affects 49 facilities already under construction and 117 proposals still awaiting approval, according to local reporting on the government decision.

Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas said the freeze was intended to replace a fragmented, agency-by-agency approval process with a single national strategy. Speaking after the policy committee met on 4 September, he said the country had not previously managed the industry as a whole and that investors had instead dealt separately with different ministries and regulators.

The new rules are expected to set minimum standards covering economic value, social impact and environmental requirements. They will apply not only to future proposals, but also to projects already operating or under construction, with existing operators given time to comply. Authorities are also seeking to combine data from water and power applications, as well as telecommunications records, to create a clearer picture of the industry.

Thailand’s policy makers are also linking the review to wider goals, including cleaner energy and the country’s net-zero ambitions. Officials have said future projects are likely to face a bidding process in which investors must set out the benefits they would bring to Thailand, including scope for artificial intelligence access for local users and smaller firms. Four subcommittees have been given one month to produce the new standards.