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Data Center Investments Surge in EEC

Data Center Investments Surge in EEC

MGR Online•Society•1h ago

Reader Briefing

The Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) is becoming a regional digital infrastructure hub with massive Data Center investments, raising concerns over resource sustainability.

  • •The BOI promoted 36 Data Center projects in 2025 with investments exceeding 728,000 million baht.
  • •In early 2026, the BOI approved an additional 7 Data Center and Data Hosting projects worth over 96,880 million baht.
  • •Investment is concentrated in Chonburi and Rayong within the EEC area.
  • •Significant challenges include electricity demand, water usage, and environmental impacts on local communities.

Overview

  • •The BOI reported 36 promoted Data Center projects in 2025 valued at over 728,000 million baht.
  • •In early 2026, the BOI approved 7 more Data Center and Data Hosting projects worth over 96,880 million baht.
  • •Data Centers are concentrated in Chonburi and Rayong due to infrastructure advantages and links to industrial estates.
  • •Dr. Sonthi Khotchawat stated that businesses and the local economy benefit from ancillary services like construction and engineering.
  • •The BOI adjusted investment promotion conditions to prioritize technology transfer, Thai personnel development, and energy efficiency (PUE).
  • •EGAT reports a tracked electricity demand of approximately 1,150 MW for Data Centers and large industries in the EEC.
  • •EECO indicated long-term electricity demand could reach 10,000 MW, while current planned capacity is approximately 3,800 MW.
  • •Dr. Sonthi Khotchawat warned that increased water usage by Data Centers may intensify resource competition with industry, communities, and agriculture.

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Key Entities

Place

Eastern Economic Corridor(เขตพัฒนาพิเศษภาคตะวันออก)ℹ️
An area being pushed as a new regional digital infrastructure base for AI, Cloud, and the digital economy.
Chonburi(ชลบุรี)ℹ️
A province in the EEC where many Data Center projects are located.
Rayong(ระยอง)ℹ️
A province in the EEC where many Data Center projects are located.

Organization

Board of Investment(สำนักงานคณะกรรมการส่งเสริมการลงทุน)
The agency that promotes Data Center investments and sets conditions for technology transfer and energy efficiency.
Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand(กฟผ.)ℹ️
The organization improving the electricity transmission system in the EEC to support Data Centers.
Eastern Economic Corridor Office(EECO)
The office providing guidelines on efficient cooling systems and circular water management for Data Centers.

Person

Dr. Sonthi Khotchawat(ดร.สนธิ คชวัฒน์)
An environmental academic who provided analysis on the benefits and resource risks of Data Center investments.