Oil Leak at Bangkok Data Center Contaminates 32 Cubic Meters of Water

An oil leak at a data center in Bangkok, Thailand, that contaminated 32 cubic meters of water has been successfully cleaned up, with authorities moving swiftly to contain the spill before it could pose a risk to local residents.

The Thai capital's Pollution Control Department (PCD) said Tuesday that the leak, which local media reports indicate originated from Damac Digital Thailand's BKK 01 facility on Rama 9 Road, had been fully contained. The incident underscores the growing environmental and safety risks associated with the rapid expansion of data center infrastructure across Southeast Asia, where construction activity has accelerated sharply in recent years.

According to The Nation, an emergency clean-up operation was launched Monday evening after residents in the surrounding area reported oil and chemical odours rising from their drains. Initial response teams deployed oil-absorbing booms to stop the spread of the contamination, then applied an environmentally friendly solution to break down oil molecules in the water without causing residual problems. Damac Digital subsequently dispatched contractors to remove 32 cubic meters of contaminated water and sludge from the system.

The PCD said its inspection showed that no volatile organic compounds or hydrogen sulphide remained in the air following the clean-up, but that it will continue to monitor conditions in the area. Damac Digital has not released any details on the cause of the leak.

Formerly known as Edgnex, Damac Digital is the data center arm of UAE-based commercial property firm Damac, founded in 2021 by Hussain Sajwani. The company began operations with a 12MW campus in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and announced plans for the Bangkok facility in 2024, saying it would comprise two 10MW data center buildings.

The incident highlights the environmental risks that accompany data center operations, particularly as the sector expands rapidly across emerging markets. While the leak was contained without reported harm to residents, it raises questions about containment protocols and emergency preparedness at data center sites located in dense urban environments. As Southeast Asia cements its position as a key growth region for digital infrastructure, operators face increasing scrutiny over their environmental management practices and community impact.