WHA Utilities and Power Public Company Limited (SET: WHAUP) has announced the appointment of Mr. Akarin Prathuangsit as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective 1 January 2026. The appointment underscores WHAUP’s commitment to strengthening its utilities and power businesses in alignment with the long-term strategic direction of WHA Group.
Mr. Akarin previously served as Deputy Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer (COO) of WHAUP. With extensive experience and deep expertise in utilities and energy businesses, his appointment as CEO marks a key milestone in ensuring continuity and advancing the Company’s comprehensive investment strategy across all dimensions. Mr. Akarin will continue to serve concurrently as Acting Chief Operating Officer, ensuring seamless operational execution and sustained efficiency.
Mr. Akarin stated, “I am deeply honored to receive the trust and confidence of the Board of Directors of WHAUP. As Chief Executive Officer, I am committed to further expanding our utilities and power businesses both domestically and internationally, while continuously enhancing water management and developing new renewable energy solutions to support the Company’s sustainable growth. These efforts are fully aligned with WHA Group’s strategic direction under its mission, ‘WHA: We Shape the Future.’”
He added that WHAUP will accelerate innovation and technology adoption, including the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in water and power management, as well as the expansion of renewable energy investments both in Thailand and overseas. These initiatives aim to meet growing demand from new customer segments across and beyond the WHA Group ecosystem, particularly future-focused industries such as electric vehicles (EVs), electronics and electrical appliances, and data centers.
Utilities Business (Water)
WHAUP remains focused on strengthening long-term water resource security as a critical infrastructure supporting industrial growth. Key strategies include diversifying raw water sources, expanding water reclamation to enhance resource efficiency, extending services beyond industrial estates, and developing value-added water products. These initiatives aim to enhance competitive advantage while supporting sustainable growth.
Power Business
The Company continues to expand investments in renewable energy both domestically and internationally, covering areas within and beyond WHA industrial estates. WHAUP is developing a diverse range of energy solutions, including Feed-in Tariff (FiT) projects, Direct Power Purchase Agreements (Direct PPA), and various solar power models. These efforts are complemented by the integration of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) to enhance energy stability and system flexibility.
At the same time, WHAUP is enhancing operational efficiency through advanced technologies such as Solar Anomaly systems for improved maintenance and Solar Forecasting for accurate power generation planning. These innovations improve management precision, reduce operating costs, and differentiate WHAUP through intelligent energy management capabilities.
In addition, the Company continues to develop peer-to-peer (P2P) energy trading platforms, renewable energy certificate trading (I-REC), and is exploring investments in New S-Curve businesses, including Small Modular Reactors (SMR) and Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) technologies, to support long-term energy transition.
For the data center sector, WHAUP is actively studying and developing clean, reliable power supply solutions, including Direct PPA via third-party access (TPA) in line with government policy. The Company is also collaborating with the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) and PEA ENCOM to develop appropriate power systems and electricity sales models that support customers’ sustainability objectives.
“WHAUP remains committed to advancing sustainable growth and reinforcing its leadership as a comprehensive utilities and power solutions provider. We aim to be a strategic partner for our customers by delivering advanced technologies, efficient management, and environmentally friendly solutions, while continuing to expand renewable energy investments to support future industries and enhance long-term competitiveness,” Mr. Akarin concluded.
