WHA Industrial Development Public Company Limited (WHAID), part of WHA Corporation Public Company Limited (WHA Group), reinforces its vision of being "The Ultimate Solutions for Sustainable Partners" by continuing to develop the WHA Eastern Seaboard Industrial Estate 5 (WHA ESIE 5) in Rayong province under the concept of "Smart Eco Industrial Estate." Currently, Phase 1 of the development is over 80% complete, and the company is also advancing Phase 2 to accommodate the growing investment demand. WHA ESIE 5 spans approximately 7,000 rai.

The project’s highlights include its strategic location, comprehensive infrastructure, and sustainable development approach, attracting leading companies from various industries. Recently, Haier Smart Home, a global manufacturer of home appliances and smart home solutions, chose WHA ESIE 5 as the site for its third "AI Intelligent Manufacturing Base" in Thailand. This facility will be the world's first AI Intelligent Factory for central air conditioning production and the largest in Southeast Asia, reflecting confidence in WHA's world-class infrastructure and the strategic potential of the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) in driving Thailand into the Data Center and AI Economy era.

Mr. Pajongwich Pongsiwaphai, CEO of WHA Industrial Development Public Company Limited, stated, "Haier is an important business partner that has continuously trusted WHAID. Previously, they opened a factory for home air conditioners on a 200 rai site at WHA Eastern Seaboard Industrial Estate 3 (WHA ESIE 3) in Chonburi, which began production in 2025. Haier's decision to expand its investment at WHA ESIE 5 to create the largest AI intelligent air conditioning manufacturing base in ASEAN reflects their trust in WHAID and the readiness of our estate in terms of strategic location, advanced infrastructure, and sustainable ecosystem, making it a comprehensive manufacturing hub for future industries."

Haier's new manufacturing base at WHA ESIE 5 held its groundbreaking ceremony on May 12, 2026, and is expected to be completed and operational by June 2027. This factory will utilize over 65% AI-driven automation and will feature a Research and Development (R&D Center) focused on developing HVAC solutions specifically for tropical climates to meet the rapidly increasing demand in the region from urban areas, real estate, hotels, industrial estates, and infrastructure, with a goal of exporting to Southeast Asia, Europe, and North America.

The expansion of Haier's investment further underscores WHAID's potential as a key manufacturing base for future industries and the New S-Curve group, supported by comprehensive and sustainable infrastructure, technology, and industrial ecosystems. Key strengths include:

  • Superior Digital Infrastructure: With a strong foundation of digital connectivity systems such as underground fiber optics (FTTx), 5G Network, and smart energy management systems that support seamless connectivity and data processing at smart factories and large Data Centers, ensuring that AI-driven production lines and advanced automation systems operate at full potential with stability and efficiency.
  • Green Industrial Ecosystem for the Future: Elevating the "Smart Eco Industrial Estate" concept by investing in clean energy technologies, such as solar lighting along roads and water reclamation systems to enhance resource management efficiency, which not only reduces environmental burdens but also lowers long-term operational costs for investors, achieving the carbon footprint reduction goals prioritized by leading global organizations.
  • Center for Workforce Development and Quality of Life: In addition to being a manufacturing base, it is evolving into a comprehensive "Industrial Town" that includes residential and commercial areas, creating an environment conducive to quality of life and work in the digital age. It also promotes collaboration with nearby educational institutions, such as King Mongkut's University of Technology North Bangkok and Ban Khai Technical College, to produce skilled personnel that meet the needs of future industries to support long-term industrial growth.

The continuous expansion of production bases by global companies at WHA ESIE 5 also generates significant positive impacts on the surrounding society and economy, including creating quality jobs for Thai workers in various positions, promoting the growth of Thai SMEs in the supply chain to elevate standards and global competitiveness, and stimulating sustainable economic growth in the surrounding communities.

WHAID continues to drive investment and innovation in future industries, committed to delivering a complete industrial ecosystem, world-class infrastructure, smart utilities, and clean energy, along with excellent management, reflecting the concept of "WHA SHAPE THE FUTURE FOR THAILAND" by jointly enhancing the potential of Thai industries to create a sustainable future for Thailand and the region.