Bangkok: Three distinguished experts, Choti Trachu, Supoj Techavarinsakul, and Teerachai Chiasiripongkul, have been appointed to the data center board, enhancing the investment oversight team with the authority to propose policies and standards to the Cabinet and monitor impacts.
According to Thai News Agency, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul signed the Prime Minister's Order No. 725/2569, appointing these qualified members to the Data Center Business Policy Committee. The appointments align with the Prime Minister's Office Regulations on the Data Center Business Policy Committee B.E. 2569, which requires a Deputy Prime Minister designated by the Prime Minister to chair the committee, with no more than three qualified members appointed by the Prime Minister.
The newly appointed committee members are Mr. Choti Trachu, former Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment; Mr. Supoj Techavarinsakul, former Dean of the Faculty of Engineering at Chulalongkorn University; and Mr. Teerachai Chiasiripongkul, Vice Rector for Administration of the Rangsit Campus, Thammasat University. Their appointments became effective from September 3rd.
These appointments were reported at the Data Center Business Policy Committee meeting on September 4th, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Ekniti Nitithanprapha. Mr. Supoj and Mr. Theer attended, while Mr. Choti was unable to make it due to other commitments. The expert committee members will serve a two-year term, renewable for a maximum of two terms.
With the addition of these qualified members, the Data Center Policy Board now comprises 21 members, including three Vice-Chairmen: the Minister of Digital Economy and Society, the Minister of Interior, and the Minister of Energy. The board also includes 14 ex-officio members from various government sectors.
The committee is responsible for proposing policies, standards, and operational frameworks for government agencies involved with data center businesses in Thailand. This includes studying and evaluating the impact of data center operations, appointing subcommittees, and performing tasks as assigned by the Cabinet or Prime Minister.
The framework for approving data center projects in Thailand considers economic benefits, clean energy use, energy security, fair pricing, efficient resource allocation, urban planning, safety, environmental impact, and data sovereignty. Government agencies encountering difficulties in implementing Cabinet resolutions must report to the committee for guidance and recommendations.
Upon Cabinet approval, relevant agencies must implement guidelines and report results to the committee quarterly, ensuring the continuity and verifiability of Thailand's data center policy.