An important policy development by the Board of Investment (“BOI”) is the establishment of the Subcommittee on Energy Management to Support Investment and the Screening of Data Center Projects. The Subcommittee is chaired by the Minister of Energy, with the BOI and the Energy Policy and Planning Office (“EPPO”) jointly serving as its secretariat.
The Subcommittee is responsible for conducting a comprehensive review of Data Center projects before investors may proceed with the submission of the applications to BOI. The pre-screening process focuses on four key areas: (i) energy, (ii) water resources, (iii) environmental considerations, and (iv) the creation of economic benefits for Thailand.
This initiative reflects the BOI’s commitment to working closely with relevant government agencies to ensure that Thailand is well prepared to support future investment. As the Data Center industry is expected to significantly increase demand for energy and water resources, the Government seeks to promote efficient resource management, strategic planning for suitable investment locations, and the development of infrastructure capable of supporting sustainable growth. At the same time, the policy aims to enhance Thailand’s long-term economic value while strengthening investor confidence in the country as a destination for technology-driven investment.