Natthapatt Tanboon-Ek, Group Chief Financial Officer of WHA Corporation Public Company Limited (SET: WHA), revealed that during 2Q26 and 3Q26, the company plans to ink land sale deals with data center clients for more than 100 but not exceeding 200 rai.
As of the end of 1Q26, WHA’s backlog of land sales pending revenue recognition stands at 1,426 rai (with approximately 900 rai of this backlog sold to a major data center client—the largest plot ever sold by the company, scheduled for transfer in 2027).
WHA is also considering establishing a dedicated industrial estate specifically for data centers to streamline infrastructure development within its estates, especially in terms of water supply and reducing the costs involved in constructing power transmission lines.
Pajongwit Pongsivapai, Chief Executive Officer of WHA Industrial Development Public Company Limited, a subsidiary of WHA, stated that as the digital economy rapidly expands, data centers have become critical infrastructure, with strong governmental support. While data centers are known for their high water and electricity usage, comprehensive plans to address these needs are already in place within the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC).
Regarding water resources, the key issue is not shortage but management. Currently, a watershed committee has been established and working closely with the Royal Irrigation Department, supported by multiple reservoir resources and additional water supplies from Chanthaburi, ensuring sufficient water for operations.
For electricity, to accommodate the growing number of data centers, the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) has requested budget approval to expand the generation capacity, the high-voltage substation, and transmission networks, using LNG as the primary power generation fuel to meet rising demand.
The government’s objective is not just to house data centers, but to create a comprehensive ecosystem, benefiting Thailand’s economy on various fronts. This involves strengthening supply chains, with related industries—such as cable manufacturers within industrial estates and major Thai construction firms—gaining direct benefits from developing this infrastructure.
Having local data centers also provides a technological edge by reducing latency (data transmission delays), enabling faster communications and enhancing data security, which lays the groundwork for further AI technology development.
The growth of data centers in Thailand is not simply about resource consumption, but rather strategic planning, which requires efficient management of water and power, the creation of a robust business ecosystem for Thai operators, and maintaining environmental balance to truly position Thailand as a regional digital hub, Pajongwit said.
