The International Finance Corporation (IFC) has invested in a blue bond issued by East Water to improve water supply reliability in Thailand’s Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) and support national water resource management. The bond, totaling 620 million THB (approximately 18 million USD), marks East Water’s first blue bond and IFC’s first blue financing investment in the infrastructure sector in the Asia Pacific region.
East Water is the largest private water supplier in the EEC and operates the country’s longest and most integrated water transmission network, spanning 553 kilometers and connecting multiple government and private reservoirs. Proceeds from the bond will help the company maintain and expand the network while freeing up cashflows for ongoing investments.
Jane Yuan Xu, IFC Country Manager for Thailand, emphasized that water is essential for both life and economic growth. She noted that the investment will ensure continuous water supply for businesses and households across the EEC, a major industrial and business hub, supporting livelihoods, growth, and job creation.
The EEC hosts 27 industrial estates under Thailand’s “Thailand 4.0” strategy, targeting high-income status by 2036 and projected to create 200,000 jobs and accommodate 350,000 residents by 2032. Bordin Udol, East Water President & CEO, stated that the blue bond demonstrates the company’s commitment to enhancing water quality, supply, and security in the region.
IFC, through its Blue Finance Guidelines and Utilities for Climate network, continues to promote water resilience, climate adaptation, and sustainable infrastructure in emerging markets. The initiative aligns with broader World Bank Group efforts to strengthen Thailand’s water management and climate resilience ahead of the 2026 World Bank Group – IMF Annual Meetings hosted in Thailand.
(Source: IFC)
