Advanced Info Service (SET: ADVANC) reinforces its commitment to sustainable business practices, focusing on joint growth of people, the economy, and the environment in the digital age. The company has partnered with leading financial institutions to sign an agreement for environmental Green Loans, marking the first of its kind in Thailand’s telecommunications industry. The total loan amount is THB 2 billion, with a 7-year term, granted by key partner banks: Bank of Ayudhya Public Company Limited, Kasikornbank Public Company Limited, and Krungthai Bank Public Company Limited. This loan will be used to enhance the capabilities of AIS’s 5G infrastructure towards becoming a Green Network. Clean energy from solar power, in conjunction with primary energy sources, will be utilized at base stations nationwide to operate and deliver a seamless digital experience for customers and the country. Furthermore, this collaboration integrates financial strategies to drive AIS’s business goals towards long-term sustainable growth.
Mr. Montri Khongkruephan Chief Finance Officer of AIS, stated, “AIS is committed to driving its vision of becoming an intelligent telecommunications technology company, or Cognitive Tech-Co, while pursuing sustainable business practices under the concept of Sustainable Nation. This vision leverages the power of digital technology to support the sustainable growth of the country through an Ecosystem Economy, encompassing people, society, the economy, and the environment in the digital age. Over the years, we have strengthened in all dimensions, especially our financial status, due to continuous performance and investment. This has earned us trust and support for green loans aimed at environmental conservation from three financial institutions.
This Green Loan marks a significant milestone for AIS in driving business transformation through sustainable financing under AIS Sustainable Finance Framework, which has been reviewed by independent experts from DNV (Thailand) Ltd. We will use the loan to strengthen our digital infrastructure and 5G network, elevating it to become a Green Network that stands for environmental sustainability. This will be achieved by investing in the installation of solar panels at base stations, data centers, and exchanges across the country, producing clean solar energy to complement our primary energy sources, ensuring the delivery of a top-tier digital experience to our customers and the Thai people.”
Mr. Prakob Phiencharoen, Krungsri Head of Corporate and Investment Banking Group, stated, “Krungsri has consistently supported sustainable finance in collaboration with MUFG, developing financial products that promote the adaptation of businesses toward sustainability. We are very pleased to extend our environmental cooperation by providing a Green Loan to AIS, Thailand’s leading telecommunications provider, which has demonstrated both financial strength and a longstanding commitment to sustainable business practices. This collaboration will help both Krungsri and AIS achieve our environmental goals of reducing carbon dioxide emissions while contributing to the country’s sustainable development and growth. The Bank is delighted to have the opportunity to work closely with AIS and DNV (Thailand) Limited to ensure that the AIS Sustainable Finance Framework covers a wide range of sustainability projects in the telecommunications sector, in line with international standards.”
Mr. Vallop Vongjitvuttikrai, Executive Vice President of KASIKORNBANK, said, “KBank operates business in line with the principles of a Bank of Sustainability and is committed to supporting our clients in achieving sustainable growth. Over the years, the Bank has provided business customers green loans, beyond banking solutions, and knowledge sharing to facilitate their transition towards low-carbon businesses. Regarding the provision of a green loan to AIS, a leading telecommunications company in Thailand, KBank is pleased to play a part in supporting AIS’s sustainable business operations under its ‘Sustainable Nation’ concept. This collaboration aims to enhance the capabilities of the 5G infrastructure, transitioning it into a Green Network powered by clean energy. This is a pioneering move in Thailand’s telecommunications industry and a significant step in driving the country towards fully sustainable telecommunications in the future. Moreover, it contributes to Thailand’s goal of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2065.”
Mrs. Saranya Assamongkol, Executive Vice President of Krungthai Bank, stated that Krungthai Bank operates with a focus on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles while adopting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to both enhance business potential and create positive impacts on society and the environment. The bank’s green loan facility to Advanced Wireless Network (AWN), part of the AIS group, represents another important partnership in driving Thailand’s telecommunications sector toward a Green Network. The loan will support AWN’s investment in solar cell installation at its base stations and other ESG initiatives related to its telecommunications business. This initiative aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, minimize environmental impact, and reduce operational costs while increasing the efficiency of 5G infrastructure capabilities. This aligns with the Green Economy development approach, promotes sustainable growth for businesses and the country’s economy, advancing toward achieving net-zero goals. It follows the sustainable banking principles that the bank has always prioritized, aiming to create positive changes for society, environment, and the economy, in line with the vision “Growing Together for Sustainability.”
