Nowadays, all it takes is a quick tap of the finger to buy goods and services on the web. This phenomenon has made online payments an important aspect for businesses of all sizes in Thailand. Whether you’re running a small ecommerce shop or a global enterprise, offering electronic settlement options is fundamental for meeting customer expectations, reducing reliance on cash and in-store transactions, enhancing sales opportunities, and strengthening your brand image.

This article provides a comprehensive overview of online payments in Thailand. We’ll explore the history of digital payment systems, highlight the most popular ways to pay, discuss the benefits for businesses, and walk you through the key steps to begin accepting web-based transactions. We’ll cover everything you need to know about expanding your online checkout methods, whether you’re a new business owner or an established retailer.

What’s in this article?

• The history of online payments in Thailand
  
• What are some popular online payment methods in Thailand?
  
• What are the benefits of accepting online payments in Thailand?
  
• How can businesses in Thailand accept online payments?
  
• Can businesses increase revenue with online payments?
  

The history of online payments in Thailand

Online payments emerged in Thailand in the early 2000s, coinciding with the rise of ecommerce platforms and the increasing availability of internet access. Initially, most customers used credit cards for transactions, but many remained hesitant. They viewed web-based settlements as unfamiliar and questioned their reliability and security.

Over time, the country’s commercial financial institutions began rolling out internet and mobile banking services to meet the needs of modern buyers. Support from the government, private sector, and the Bank of Thailand, along with collaboration (and competition) between banks and fintech startups, has fueled ongoing innovation in the digital payment space.

Today, tools including PromptPay, QR codes, and integrated solutions such as Stripe make it faster and easier than ever to complete orders in a safe environment. As a result, online payments have become an integral part of everyday life, simplifying transactions between buyers and sellers and driving Thailand’s expanding digital economy.

What are some popular online payment methods in Thailand?

It’s important to understand which payment methods are available before determining which ones your business will accept. Here, we’ll look at the pros and cons of the most popular online payment methods in Thailand.

Mobile banking

Using a mobile banking app to make online transactions lets users instantly move money and pay for goods and services with no cash required. These operations are quick and secure, backed by verification methods such as PIN codes or biometric scans (e.g., fingerprint or facial recognition).

PromptPay

PromptPay is a real-time payment tool used in Thailand. It links customers’ bank accounts to their phone numbers or national identification for simplified money transfers. PromptPay provides a convenient and free way to send and receive money within specified limits. Compared to other methods, PromptPay requires fewer steps and incurs lower costs.

Digital wallet

A digital wallet is an online account that allows users to add funds via bank transfers, ATMs, service counters, or by linking a credit or debit card. The balance can then be used to pay for products or solutions. Popular digital wallets in Thailand include LINE Pay, ShopeePay, and TrueMoney.

QR code

To pay with a QR code using a bank app or mobile wallet on a phone, users simply log in, select “Scan QR Code,” and complete the payment. No cards or cash are necessary. This method reduces the safety risks of entering credit card details into a form and provides a quick and user-friendly option for everyday transactions.

Payment links

A payment link is a secure URL sent to shoppers via social media, email, or text message. When clicked, it directs them to an online checkout page where they can select various payment methods, including credit cards, PromptPay, and digital wallets. No website or application is necessary, which speeds up collection. Services such as Stripe Payment Links make it straightforward to create and share URLs and start receiving payments within minutes.

Credit and debit cards

Orders made online or through a reader use details including the card number, expiration date, and CVV code. A credit card provides a line of credit from the financial institution, allowing the cardholder to make purchases and pay later. In contrast, a debit card deducts funds directly from the account at the time of sale, offering a fast, accessible, and safe way to pay. It’s important to choose a payment platform that complies with established security protocols such as PCI DSS, 3D Secure, or one-time password (OTP) verification.

Buy now, pay later

Buy now, pay later (BNPL) platforms allow customers to split their payments into installments. They typically repay within 3 to 12 months, depending on the provider’s terms and conditions. Paying on time keeps interest low or eliminates it. This option helps ease immediate financial pressure and improves cash flow for everyday spending. Popular BNPL providers in Thailand include Atome, Lazada PayLater, PayLater by Grab, Pay Next by TrueMoney Wallet, and SPayLater by Shopee.

Top-up cards

A top-up card is a prepaid payment method that lets customers pay using a stored value held on the card. When making a web purchase, the amount is deducted directly from this value. Because the issuer doesn’t connect the card to a bank or charge account, it adds an extra layer of protection—if it is lost or stolen, only the remaining balance is at risk. Examples include train fare cards and online game top-up cards.

Payment gateways

A payment gateway is an intermediary system that securely verifies and transmits checkout information between sellers and banks or between sellers and cardholders. Commonly used on ecommerce websites and apps, these gateways comply with international standards, for instance PCI DSS, and contain fraud protection features. When a shopper places an order, the gateway encrypts and verifies the details before sending them to the financial institution for approval. This process enables online vendors to receive payments quickly and safely without handling card information directly.

What are the benefits of accepting online payments in Thailand?

Receiving online payments enables businesses to grow steadily and sustainably in the digital age. Here are a some of the benefits:

Ease of use

Accepting web-based transactions allow customers to purchase goods and services at any time, from anywhere, through a fast and secure process. There’s no need to visit a physical store or carry cash. Shoppers can choose from various ways to pay, including app transfers, credit cards, and digital wallets. This ease creates a better shopping experience, encouraging return visits.

Speed of transactions

Traditional methods, namely bank transfers or checks, can take several business days, especially for cross-border transactions. Electronic payments, however, are instant or complete within minutes—e.g., PromptPay and mobile banking transfers.

Increase sales and revenue

Traditional outlets often face limitations in reaching and serving shoppers. Online payments, on the other hand, allow businesses to expand their audience. Straightforward and quick checkout processes reduce abandonment, enabling sellers to close more deals and lift overall revenue.

Opportunities for market expansion

Online payments let customers shop from anywhere and buy instantly. This helps small enterprises grow by providing unlimited access to their products, extending to overseas markets. Services such as Stripe Payments support global expansion by allowing businesses to receive funds in local currencies or through automatic conversion, creating a simple buying and selling experience.

Highly secure

Cash carries risks of loss or theft, and checks can be counterfeited. Electronic payments, however, offer stronger safeguards, including two-factor authentication and encryption, which boost shopper confidence. Stripe Radar demonstrates how financial institutions and gateway providers continually develop new features to improve security.

Build trust among businesses

Businesses that accept digital checkouts are often perceived as more professional and trustworthy than those that rely solely on cash. This perception is particularly prevalent among middle- to high-income customers, who expect convenience and safety. Offering online payment options reflects a business’s sophistication and commitment to modern standards.

Marketing data

Online checkout systems allow businesses to collect valuable data on shopper behavior. Insights such as average spending, popular products or solutions, and peak buying times help create targeted marketing strategies, boost sales, and develop offerings that better meet customer needs.

How can businesses in Thailand accept online payments?

In Thailand, there are many ways to collect funds—here’s a step-by-step guide:

Explore and choose payment methods

Choose the options that best meet your business requirements, whether that’s mobile banking, PromptPay, a digital wallet, a gateway, a payment link, or something else.

Select a payment service provider

Research payment service providers and find one that meets your demands in terms of pricing, features, security, and customer support.

Apply for a payment service

Once you have selected a checkout method and compared the fees, you can contact a commercial financial institution in Thailand or a payment service provider, such as Stripe, to request activation. Prepare financial documents for the application, which include copies of the owner’s identification cards, a business certificate or commercial registration, and bank account details.

Structure and test the system

Businesses will need to structure and install an API (application programming interface) or plugin on their website or platform to begin accepting payments through the selected vendor. Test the system thoroughly before launch to detect and correct any errors, ensuring it handles transactions smoothly and securely.

Activate and track results

Once everything is ready, activate the online checkout framework. Transaction results must be tracked and analyzed to confirm the flow is safe and efficient. The data can be utilized for marketing and management purposes, as well as to identify and address any potential issues.

Can businesses increase revenue with online payments?

In today’s digital world, customers expect convenience, speed, and security above all else. Processing online payments is no longer optional—it’s a necessity for operations of all sizes and industries. They can boost revenue, open up new market opportunities, and enhance credibility. Getting started is simple: choose the method that fits your needs and follow the registration steps.

Understanding the ways to pay and systems available in Thailand is a key step toward embracing our increasingly cashless society. This will help your business grow steadily, benefitting not only you and your clients but also the country’s overall economy.