According to officials, the facility stored the fuel across six large underground tanks without proper permits, triggering legal action under Section 65 of the Fuel Control Act.
Department Investigation Details and Findings
The investigation began after local residents filed complaints regarding the facility. During the basement inspection, officers discovered six large fuel storage tanks. Each tank holds a capacity of 40,000 liters, leading inspectors to calculate a total volume of roughly 200,000 liters of reserved fuel.
Officials determined that the operation lacked proper regulatory approval for the reserve supply. Consequently, authorized representatives from the department visited Makkasan Police Station to initiate formal criminal proceedings against the data center operators.
Legal Penalties and Police Action
Investigating officers at Makkasan Police Station recorded the initial complaint and completed formal daily incident logs following the filing. Because the case requires detailed documentation and further verification, police interviewed the department’s representative and are currently coordinating to gather comprehensive inspection papers.
The offense falls directly under Section 65 of the Fuel Control Act. Violators face penalties of two years in prison, a fine not exceeding 200,000 baht. Investigators will review the requested documents from the energy department before determining the next steps for prosecution.
Did You Know?
Inspectors discovered the unauthorized fuel reserve inside six large tanks located in the basement of the Rama 9 Road data center, each with a 40,000-liter capacity.
Expert Insight:
Large-scale commercial and technological facilities frequently maintain emergency diesel generators to prevent critical operational downtime during grid failures. However, storing industrial quantities of fuel in densely populated urban areas requires strict adherence to safety permits and regulatory oversight to mitigate environmental and public safety risks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What triggered the investigation into the Rama 9 data center?
When did authorities inspect the facility?
Department officials conducted the on-site inspection of the data center’s basement on August 21 at approximately 14:00.
What legal penalties apply to unauthorized fuel storage under this case?
Under Section 65 of the Fuel Control Act, the offense carries a penalty of two years in prison, a fine not exceeding 200,000 baht.
How might stricter regulatory enforcement on unauthorized fuel reserves impact other large-scale technological facilities operating in urban areas?
Worth a look