Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas has instructed officials to assess the data center strategy, prompted by growing concerns over data center investments. These concerns include their impact on domestic resources and the environment. Mr. Ekniti, who chairs the Board of Investment (BOI), stated on Wednesday that the strategy would also be reviewed to ensure foreign investors’ incentives remain appropriate amidst rapid technological change.
The government must look beyond investment value to ensure data centers generate benefits for the country and its people. Mr. Ekniti added that a new Data Center Business Policy Committee would be established, tasked with setting standards for electricity consumption, water usage, grid stability, national energy security, and public access to electricity. The committee will include representatives from the BOI, the Ministry of Energy, the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, and experts from various fields.
The BOI had previously focused on electricity and water consumption impacts. However, the government will now examine whether projects generate research and development, local content, quality employment, and opportunities for Thai suppliers. Mr. Ekniti stated that the strategy must focus not only on investment inflows but also on the return on investment for Thailand.
This new framework for Thailand’s data center industry is no longer just about attracting investment, but about considering the completed matter, according to Mr. Nartthanan. Meanwhile, opposition People’s Party (PP) deputy leader Chuchanok Vuthayee criticized the government’s data center policy, saying that GDP growth remained weak in the second quarter.