Bangkok: The Democrat Party has raised concerns over the placement of data centers within Bangkok, arguing that the city's geographical structure acts as a lid, potentially causing heat buildup. They assert that stricter measures should be implemented to address these issues rather than focusing on the interests of capitalists.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Pasin Pitutecha, MP for Rayong and Deputy Spokesperson of the Democrat Party, emphasized that data centers should be situated outside the city. As a member of the Economic Development Committee, he referred to information from the Board of Investment (BOI) indicating that about 70% of data centers are planned for the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), contrasting with the plan for Bangkok where such centers were initially discouraged.
Data centers are known to utilize limited land expansively and require significant water resources for cooling systems. Mr. Pasin pointed out that advanced technologies could mitigate water usage and wastewater production. He also highlighted that data center electricity usage is distinct from household electricity, ensuring that consumers do not bear initial costs.
Mr. Pasin acknowledged that data centers, though not as environmentally detrimental as the steel or petrochemical industries, are high-investment ventures. He questioned Thailand's gains from these developments, noting Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Mr. Ekniti Nitithanprapas's recent shift towards a national strategy. However, Mr. Pasin questioned why this strategic shift did not occur sooner, considering the longstanding development of data centers in the EEC.
The Democrat Party recently submitted a motion to the parliament, proposing six key points:
1. Careful tax planning, acknowledging the minimal workforce and imported equipment required for data centers.
2. Preparation for positioning Thailand as a hub in areas like AI and applications, beyond mere job creation.
3. Encouragement for data center owners to collaborate with educational institutions for technology transfer and workforce development, particularly in Rayong, Chonburi, and Special Economic Zones.
4. Clarification on technology transfer.
5. Determination of usage proportions among Thai people.
6. Distribution of investment funds to benefit the community.
Mr. Pasin expressed a desire for invested funds to benefit the entire nation, emphasizing the lessons learned from past environmental challenges and successes. He proposed establishing a data center fund to support education and community development while addressing environmental impacts. He urged the government to carefully consider the future direction of data centers as part of the technological era.
Mr. Pongsakorn Kwanmuang, another spokesperson for the Democrat Party, highlighted issues with hyperscale data centers within cities, emphasizing that such centers should be located outside urban areas to prevent heat accumulation. He raised questions about the tangible benefits data centers would bring to Thai people, stressing the importance of prioritizing public interest over capitalist gains.