Blab Tech
Gulf Development Targets 2,000 MW Data-Center Capacity Amid 100-MW Expansion in 2026
Gulf Development Public Company Limited, Thailand’s largest energy firm by market value and a major telecom operator, announced plans to invest in new data‑centres with a combined capacity of 100 megawatts (MW) this year. The move is part of a broader strategy to reach roughly 2,000 MW of service capacity within the next three to five years.
Chief strategy officer Smith Banomyong said feasibility studies for one to two additional projects are underway, with final decisions expected before year‑end. Gulf’s investment plan includes an estimated average cost of US$6‑7 million per MW for data‑center projects between 2026 and 2030. The company also intends to invest in electricity generation and renewable‑energy supply through direct power‑purchase agreements with data‑center operators.
Sustainability is a key element of Gulf’s approach. Facilities are designed to minimise electricity and water usage, employing water‑cooling systems and energy‑efficient building designs. Banomyong urged the Thai government to introduce specific regulations for data centres, citing Singapore and South Korea as examples.
To support the expansion, Gulf established Gulf Edge Data Center 02 Co (GEDC02). The company’s current projects include:
* GSA Data Center 01 in Samut Prakan – a joint venture with Singtel and Advance Info Service, operational with a 25 MW capacity and the first Thai data centre to use a liquid‑cooling system for AI chips.
* GSA02 in Chon Buri – under development with a planned capacity of 38 MW, scheduled for commercial operation in mid‑2027.
* GEDC 100 MW in Rayong – under construction and expected to open in late 2027.
Gulf’s five‑year capital expenditure is projected at 130‑140 billion baht, with about 10 % allocated to digital infrastructure. The company is also in discussions with investors to expand into AI, though details remain confidential.
The 100‑MW GEDC project in Rayong is part of the Eastern Economic Corridor, a region targeted for high‑tech development. The project’s construction involves a partnership with U Power’s Hydro Data JV, CEWA Group, and Jiangsu Guofu Hydrogen Energy, which will provide an integrated energy solution.
Gulf’s ambition reflects Thailand’s growing demand for cloud services, AI, and data storage. The company’s strategy aligns with national efforts to position the country as a regional digital hub.
In a recent investor call, Sarath Ratanavadi, Gulf’s founder and CEO, highlighted the company’s commitment to expanding digital infrastructure while maintaining energy efficiency. Ratanavadi’s net worth was estimated at US$16 billion in 2026.
The company’s expansion plans also involve establishing a new entity, Gulf Edge Data Center 02 Co, to streamline operations and attract investment. Gulf’s current data‑center portfolio, including GSA Data Center 01 and GSA02, demonstrates its capability to deploy advanced cooling technologies and meet the needs of AI workloads.
Regulatory developments are expected as the Thai government considers new data‑center regulations. Gulf’s call for specific laws mirrors measures in Singapore and South Korea, which aim to protect sensitive data and ensure reliable power supply.
As Gulf moves toward its 2,000 MW target, the company will continue to invest in renewable energy and efficient cooling solutions. The 100‑MW GEDC project in Rayong and the 38‑MW GSA02 in Chon Buri are key milestones, with commercial operations slated for 2027. Gulf’s broader strategy, including potential AI expansion and a significant capital outlay, positions it as a leading player in Thailand’s digital infrastructure landscape.
The current status of Gulf’s data‑center expansion is that feasibility studies are underway for additional projects, with construction of the GEDC 100 MW facility underway. The company’s next steps include finalising investment decisions, securing regulatory approvals, and engaging investors for AI initiatives. The outcome of these actions will shape Gulf’s trajectory in the regional data‑center market over the next few years.
Chief strategy officer Smith Banomyong said feasibility studies for one to two additional projects are underway, with final decisions expected before year‑end. Gulf’s investment plan includes an estimated average cost of US$6‑7 million per MW for data‑center projects between 2026 and 2030. The company also intends to invest in electricity generation and renewable‑energy supply through direct power‑purchase agreements with data‑center operators.
Sustainability is a key element of Gulf’s approach. Facilities are designed to minimise electricity and water usage, employing water‑cooling systems and energy‑efficient building designs. Banomyong urged the Thai government to introduce specific regulations for data centres, citing Singapore and South Korea as examples.
To support the expansion, Gulf established Gulf Edge Data Center 02 Co (GEDC02). The company’s current projects include:
* GSA Data Center 01 in Samut Prakan – a joint venture with Singtel and Advance Info Service, operational with a 25 MW capacity and the first Thai data centre to use a liquid‑cooling system for AI chips.
* GSA02 in Chon Buri – under development with a planned capacity of 38 MW, scheduled for commercial operation in mid‑2027.
* GEDC 100 MW in Rayong – under construction and expected to open in late 2027.
Gulf’s five‑year capital expenditure is projected at 130‑140 billion baht, with about 10 % allocated to digital infrastructure. The company is also in discussions with investors to expand into AI, though details remain confidential.
The 100‑MW GEDC project in Rayong is part of the Eastern Economic Corridor, a region targeted for high‑tech development. The project’s construction involves a partnership with U Power’s Hydro Data JV, CEWA Group, and Jiangsu Guofu Hydrogen Energy, which will provide an integrated energy solution.
Gulf’s ambition reflects Thailand’s growing demand for cloud services, AI, and data storage. The company’s strategy aligns with national efforts to position the country as a regional digital hub.
In a recent investor call, Sarath Ratanavadi, Gulf’s founder and CEO, highlighted the company’s commitment to expanding digital infrastructure while maintaining energy efficiency. Ratanavadi’s net worth was estimated at US$16 billion in 2026.
The company’s expansion plans also involve establishing a new entity, Gulf Edge Data Center 02 Co, to streamline operations and attract investment. Gulf’s current data‑center portfolio, including GSA Data Center 01 and GSA02, demonstrates its capability to deploy advanced cooling technologies and meet the needs of AI workloads.
Regulatory developments are expected as the Thai government considers new data‑center regulations. Gulf’s call for specific laws mirrors measures in Singapore and South Korea, which aim to protect sensitive data and ensure reliable power supply.
As Gulf moves toward its 2,000 MW target, the company will continue to invest in renewable energy and efficient cooling solutions. The 100‑MW GEDC project in Rayong and the 38‑MW GSA02 in Chon Buri are key milestones, with commercial operations slated for 2027. Gulf’s broader strategy, including potential AI expansion and a significant capital outlay, positions it as a leading player in Thailand’s digital infrastructure landscape.
The current status of Gulf’s data‑center expansion is that feasibility studies are underway for additional projects, with construction of the GEDC 100 MW facility underway. The company’s next steps include finalising investment decisions, securing regulatory approvals, and engaging investors for AI initiatives. The outcome of these actions will shape Gulf’s trajectory in the regional data‑center market over the next few years.
