Thailand has introduced its first environmental rules specifically for data centers, covering noise, heat and water use. The cabinet approved the regulations after construction on new data center projects had been suspended for several months while authorities prepared requirements for the industry.
Facilities must keep noise from uninterruptible power supply equipment at or below 70 A-weighted decibels (dBA) while it operates. The source compares that level with many household hair dryers, which produce about 70 dBA, though readings vary by model and speed. Whether the limit reduces noise for nearby residents will depend on where and how authorities measure it and how they enforce the rules.
Temperature increases beyond facility boundaries must stay between 1 and 2 degrees Celsius, according to Danucha Pichayanan, secretary-general of Thailand’s economic planning agency. Operators must also circulate cooling water through reuse systems and test wastewater before discharge. Data centers in designated industrial estates face additional environmental obligations.
Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas said projects that fail to meet government requirements will not be allowed to proceed. Thailand is seeking technology investment while managing pressure on resources used by households, businesses and nearby communities.
Investment-promotion applications exceeded $50 billion in the first nine months of 2026, with artificial intelligence-related projects accounting for about 70% of the value. The source says the noise limit alone cannot show whether residents will experience a meaningful reduction; results will depend on measurement, monitoring and enforcement.
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