Thailand wants to reassure the public that rising investment in data centres will not lead to higher electricity bills or environmental strain, as the government rolls out new regulations and accelerates its transition to renewable energy.
Speaking at Thailand Focus 2026, an annual conference organised by the Stock Exchange of Thailand, Energy Minister Akanat Promphan said the government is pursuing a balanced strategy that supports digital infrastructure growth while advancing long-term sustainability goals.
The rapid expansion of data centres has sparked concerns over resource allocation and surging power demand, which some fear could increase electricity costs for households.
Mr Akanat said new regulatory measures are being introduced to ensure incoming investments do not pass additional energy costs on to consumers.
Under the framework, data centre operators will be required to absorb the marginal costs of gas imports needed to support their operations, helping to prevent higher electricity tariffs for the public.
The government is also directing a 200-billion-baht borrowing programme to accelerate Thailand’s green transition.
Rather than focusing solely on large infrastructure projects, the funding will support broader access to clean technologies, including residential solar rooftop installations and biofuel development.
Mr Akanat said the new 2026 power development plan (PDP), expected to be released next month, will guide the country’s energy strategy until 2050 and align with Thailand’s net-zero commitments.
Under the plan, at least 60% of new power generation capacity will come from renewable energy sources, while the remainder will be supported by carbon capture technologies.
The PDP will also promote independent power supplies, energy storage systems, prosumers and direct power purchase agreements, which allow businesses to buy clean electricity directly from producers.
Meanwhile, B.Grimm Power Plc (BGRIM) said data centre investments could deliver wider economic benefits.
Harald Link, chairman of the BGRIM board, said local data centres would improve data security and reduce dependence on overseas facilities in hubs such as Singapore and the US.
The sector could boost domestic manufacturing of technology components and strengthen local supply chains.
“Data centre investments are catalysing partnerships with universities and vocational schools to train the next generation of engineers, technicians and internet entrepreneurs,” said Mr Link.