Residents in Ban Chang, Rayong, have asked authorities to investigate a large Chinese-backed IT data centre project after alleging that construction is continuing around the clock and affecting nearby homes. The complaints were raised on 29 July 2026 by people in Moo 6 of the Huai Mahad community in Ban Chang district. They cited noise, dust and heavy lorry traffic, while also questioning whether a public canal has been filled in for the development. Reporters visiting the site found a major construction area of more than 100 rai, surrounded by barbed-wire fencing. Several large cranes were operating inside, while 10-wheel lorries were entering and leaving throughout the day. Behind the site are accommodation camps for migrant workers and a market serving workers. Residents cite noise, dust and traffic A 60-year-old resident, identified as Noi, said the project was an IT data centre being built by Chinese investors. He said work was being carried out 24 hours a day, mainly using migrant workers from Myanmar. According to Noi, piling work has caused persistent noise, while dust and air pollution have made life difficult for his family. He said they had moved to a rented home elsewhere because they could no longer live at their property. He said previous complaints to relevant agencies had produced no progress, and called for an examination of official actions, environmental effects and security concerns. Concerns over canals and nearby forest Uthai Saoman, the Ban Chang subdistrict headman, said the site lies beside the Huai Mahad-Khao Phudon mountain range, an area which still has relatively intact forest and wildlife habitat. He said the land had previously been an old golf course before being sold to Chinese investors for development as a large factory. The community had not been informed of the plans and no public consultation had taken place, he added. Uthai also alleged that Phayun Canal had been filled in near the entrance to create construction land, altering the course of a public waterway. He said he had not seen any state agency inspect the matter or take legal action. He raised further concerns about the future environmental impact of the facility, including substantial electricity demand, cooling systems, water use, wastewater and electronic waste. Phayun Canal and Khlong Yai Ra, he said, run alongside the factory boundary. He called for the project not to begin operating machinery until a full investigation has been carried out. Project remains under construction A sign at the front of the project identifies the developer, contractor and construction supervision consultant. It describes a large IT data centre project backed by a Chinese company, with a total usable area of 57,130.35 square metres. The building is about 92 metres wide and 192 metres long, and remains under construction. Neither the project company nor relevant government agencies had issued a response. The allegations come from residents and community leaders, and all parties have been invited to clarify the facts. Picture courtesy of SiamRath Join the discussion? 31 July 2026
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