GOVERNMENT MOVES TO CLOSE LOOPHOLES
Thailand’s newly established Data Centre Business Policy Committee held its first meeting on Sep 4, bringing together officials including ministers responsible for finance, the digital economy and energy.
Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas, who chairs the committee, said the government wants to close regulatory loopholes and create a centralised overview of the country’s data centres.
“The goal we discussed today is to set a minimum standard that everyone must meet, taking care of civilians and taking care of the environment,” he said.
“For those who want to invest, we will evaluate their value and benefit to the country. Information about data centres is currently scattered. We will gather it all in one place, make it transparent, and keep it organised.”
The committee has given itself a month to draw up an initial policy framework setting out minimum rules for the sector.
Thailand sees significant economic potential in the data centre industry, with investments in the country already exceeding US$20 billion.
But their energy demands pose a challenge as Thailand works towards its pledge to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.
For tailor Nathinan, clear measures are needed to protect both her safety and her business.
“If they find some ways to protect or insure us, that would be acceptable. Otherwise, I don’t know where else I’d go. I’ve been here for a while and have a lot of customers.”
