World · Singapore Bureau
Thailand imposes strict noise and water curbs on data centre operations
Thai regulators have unveiled proposed environmental standards for data centres, including noise limits comparable to household appliances. The new rules aim to balance the country's digital infrastructure expansion with community and environmental concerns.
LSN Singapore ·
Thailand's regulatory authorities have introduced proposed standards to govern noise and water consumption at data centres operating within the kingdom. The framework sets noise level restrictions at 70 decibels A-weighted, a threshold roughly equivalent to the sound output of a vacuum cleaner, seeking to minimise disruption to surrounding communities.
The initiative reflects growing concerns about the environmental and social footprint of data centre development across Thailand. As the country positions itself as a regional technology hub, authorities have moved to implement controls that would allow facilities to operate while protecting residents from excessive noise pollution.
Water usage restrictions form another key component of the proposed standards, addressing resource management in facilities that typically require substantial cooling capacity. The dual-focus approach signals Thailand's intention to establish balanced regulatory conditions for the data centre sector.
The proposed standards are expected to influence how operators design and manage facilities across the country. Industry stakeholders have been invited to provide feedback during the consultation period, with the framework anticipated to guide licensing and operational requirements for new and existing installations.