Thailand's Data Centre Boom Raises Concerns Over Power Costs and Water Scarcity

Thailand's rapid expansion of data centres, driven by international tech companies, is raising concerns about increased power consumption, water scarcity, and potential environmental damage. Opposition MPs Suphanat Minchaiynunt and Korn Chatikavanij have warned that weak regulations allow facilities to be built in unsuitable urban areas, strain electricity and water supplies, and could eventually raise household power bills. Energy Minister Akanat Promphan has promised new regulations, while Korn also raised concerns about Thai companies' access to affordable computing and potential technology security risks.