Thailand’s data-centre expansion will favour established operator True IDC over newcomer DAMAC.

On 27 October 2026, Thailand’s Data Centre Policy Committee approved draft rules that go to Cabinet on 3 November, after a September halt on new permits and on construction of about 49 projects. Projects without a construction permit by 11 August now count as new and must pass new screening requirements. Lenders will therefore price permit status and grid access first, and favour sponsors with working sites and signed tenants.The rules create uncertainty for projects still awaiting approval, making banks and tenants less willing to commit funding or sign contracts. DAMAC’s Skyline project is particularly exposed. Although Thailand approved its investment in May 2026, no construction permit has been granted or named a tenant (subject to new screening requirements). True IDC is better placed. It operates four Thai data centres, which the rules do not change retroactively and its 250 MW EEC site broke ground in March — outside the new screening rules.