BANGKOK: Thailand’s Cabinet approves a draft Prime Minister’s Office regulation establishing a national policy committee to oversee the data centre (DC) industry, with safeguards covering electricity, water, the environment and national data security.
The decision, reached on Wednesday, is intended to support Thailand’s transition towards a high-technology digital economy while ensuring that the industry’s consumption of electricity and water does not disrupt people’s lives.
Government spokesperson Rachada Dhnadirek explained that although the government sought to promote DC investment as a driver of economic growth, it was deeply concerned that, without clear policies and effective oversight mechanisms, the industry’s expansion could cause more harm than good, particularly by placing additional burdens on the public in the future.
A deputy prime minister designated by the prime minister will chair the Data Centre Business Policy Committee.
The ministers of Digital Economy and Society, Interior and Energy will serve as vice-chairs, while the prime minister may appoint additional expert members.
The committee will develop policies, standards and operating frameworks for government agencies to follow when approving projects, issuing licences or granting other authorisations to DC operators.
It will also study, analyse and continually assess the effects of DC operations before submitting its findings and recommendations to the Cabinet.
The oversight framework will focus on five key areas to protect the interests of the country and its people.
These include energy security, which will promote the use of clean energy while ensuring that DC demand does not drive up electricity prices and place an additional burden on the public; resource allocation to regulate the use of water and land to ensure fair and efficient allocation without depriving other sectors of the resources they require.
It also includes urban planning and safety to oversee the selection and positioning of DC sites and require stringent fire-prevention measures.
Data security meanwhile is aimed to protect data sovereignty and prevent breaches or leaks; and remedial mechanisms, which will require operators to take responsibility and provide remedies if their activities affect the environment or the surrounding communities.
“This policy will ensure that entry into the industry is not open to just anyone. Every investment must comply with the committee’s standards and undergo rigorous scrutiny and assessment to ensure that DC investment delivers genuine benefits to the country,” Rachada stressed.
DCs house extensive computer equipment, servers and information technology infrastructure used to store, process and distribute vast quantities of data. — The Nation/ANN
