Ecommerce in Thailand is on the rise. According to The Standard, Thailand’s digital economy could reach $53 billion USD in 2025 with an average annual growth of 15%. This is expected to double by 2030 to around $100–165 billion USD.

Convenient and safe digital payment methods have become an important part of creating sales opportunities. One popular digital payment option in Thailand is the payment link. This new payment method is designed to meet the needs of business transactions in the digital age. Payment links offer convenience for online stores and also create positive experiences for customers.

In this article, we describe how online stores in Thailand can use payment links for smooth and fast sales and simple payments.

What’s in this article?

• What are payment links?
  
• What are the advantages of payment links?
  
• Which payment methods are supported by payment links?
  
• Choosing a payment link service provider
  
• How to create a payment link
  
• How payment links boost online sales
  

What are payment links?

A payment link is created to receive payments. The link can be sent to customers through the communication channels where the transaction takes place, such as social media (e.g., Facebook, Instagram, or LINE), email, or short message service (SMS).

Through each of these channels, a customer can send a message or leave a comment to confirm their order and receive a payment link. When a customer clicks the link, they are taken to a secure online payment page that supports multiple payment methods, including credit cards, PromptPay, or digital wallets.

When using payment links, it isn’t necessary for a business to use a website, application, or complex application programming interface (API). Instead, payment links are similar to offering a full ecommerce service. They reduce administrative steps and minimize errors that could result from manually entering transaction information. This makes them convenient and fast for receiving payments online. Payment links can also increase the business’s credibility and help it track customer payments. Therefore, payment links might help boost sales.

What are the advantages of payment links?

Here are a few of the benefits ecommerce businesses in Thailand encounter when using payment links:

• Multiple payment methods: One single payment link supports transactions via multiple methods, including credit and debit cards, mobile banking, PromptPay, or digital wallets.
  
• Simple payment collection: Payment links are a convenient option because they make it unnecessary to have a storefront, shopping cart system, or complex connection with an API.
  
• Help with closing sales: The flexibility of payment links can help expand the customer base. Customers can simply make a comment to confirm their purchase on social media channels, such as Facebook, Instagram, or LINE. The business can then send a payment link to customers to instantly pay for the product.
  
• Positive customer experience: Payment links are a convenient solution for the person making the payment. All they have to do is click on the link and select their preferred payment method to make a payment instantly. There is no need to register to send proof of payment.
  
• Fewer payment transfer mistakes: The system automatically fills in the amount and account name, so customers don’t have to manually enter this information. This can minimize the chance of sending a payment to the wrong account or entering an incorrect payment amount.
  
• Easy payment tracking: Payment links enable online stores to automatically track customer payment status in real time. Businesses can check the customer’s payment method and verify that the payment was successful. Then, the business can follow up and contact the customer immediately.
  
• Cost-effective and modifiable system: Payment links can be designed and customized to match a company’s store and brand. They can include business logos or colorful decorations to match specific campaigns, holidays, seasons, or promotions. Businesses can achieve this without the need for an online storefront or the expense of building and maintaining a website.
  

Both small online businesses and large organizations can use payment links to provide a convenient and simple customer experience. Major ecommerce platforms in Thailand—such as Shopee and Lazada—are beginning to integrate payment links. National utility service providers—such as the Metropolitan Electricity Authority (MEA), Metropolitan Waterworks Authority (MWA), and National Telecom Public Company Limited (NT)—are beginning to send billing emails with embedded payment links. They also offer online payment link systems for fast and convenient payments.

Which payment methods are supported by payment links?

Payment links support multiple payment methods, depending on each service provider. For example:

• Credit and debit cards: Including Visa and MasterCard
  
• PromptPay: Using a phone number or national identification number to receive and transfer funds
  
• Mobile banking: Using a bank’s digital payment app
  
• Digital wallets: Including TrueMoney, LINE Pay, ShopeePay, Apple Pay, and Google Pay
  

With a variety of payment methods available, customers can choose their preferred method of payment with ease. This can allow businesses or online stores to close sales more easily and quickly.

Choosing a payment link service provider

Here are some key factors to consider when selecting a payment link provider:

• Service fees: Review and compare each payment processor’s service fees, including per-transaction fees, monthly fees, and available promotions and packages.
  
• Payment method options: Select the payment link service provider with payment methods suitable for the business.
  
• Credibility and security system: Payment link providers should have appropriate licenses and standard certifications, such as Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS). System stability and quality of customer service are also important.
  

Once a service provider is selected, the next step is to register to use the payment link service. Registration is usually a standard procedure that involves entering business and personal information, followed by verifying identity and linking a bank account to receive payments.

How to create a payment link

Every service provider has a different process for creating a payment link. With Stripe, creating a payment link is easy and takes only a few minutes (after completing registration). The instructions are as follows:

• Select + to add a new product or service.
  
• Enter the details of the product or service. Enter the payment amount, and specify the currency (e.g., Thai baht).
  
• Select “Add product.”
  
• Select “Next.”
  
• Select “Create a payment link.”
  

When the payment link detail page is displayed, it means the link is ready to be shared and is shareable on social media channels or online stores.

How payment links boost online sales

Payment links are a key part of doing online business in Thailand by simplifying the billing process and making it easier to convert customer interest into actual sales. Customers only need to confirm their order via chat or in the comments section, and the store can send the payment link to complete the sale immediately. Customers can also choose their preferred payment method quickly and securely. Additionally, using payment links can save you the cost of building and maintaining an online storefront and significantly reduce the burden of managing payment systems.

If you’re looking for a way to provide an easy payment solution for your customers, boost sales, expand your customer base, and increase business credibility, consider using Stripe Payment Links as an option to modernize your payment system, provide a positive customer experience, and drive your business toward success.