Using digital financial transactions has become a primary behavior of Thai customers today, especially paying with e-invoices via smartphones. This is due to their convenience, speed, and security. They also support various payment channels—including mobile banking, digital wallets, and other e-payment systems—which help businesses facilitate payment collection, enhance the customer experience, and effectively reduce delayed payment issues.

In this article, we explain e-invoice payments via smartphones in Thailand, including factors that influence their popularity and usage and the various channels that support e-invoice payments via smartphones. Additionally, we outline how to accept e-invoice payments and solutions that make issuing invoices and mobile payments easy, secure, and capable of enhancing a business’s potential.

What’s in this article?

• What are e-invoice payments via smartphones?
  
• Payment methods that support e-invoice processing via smartphones
  
• Why are e-invoice payments via smartphones popular in Thailand?
  
• Examples of Thai businesses using e-invoices for billing
  
• How to issue e-invoices in Thailand
  
• How Stripe Invoicing can help
  

What are e-invoice payments via smartphones?

E-invoice payments via smartphones involve making payments by verifying an electronic invoice via a mobile phone. This invoice can be sent via short message service (SMS), email, or app, or it can be displayed on a point-of-sale (POS) machine or kiosk. Customers can immediately pay for goods or services—such as mobile service fees, water and electricity bills, or other monthly bills—by tapping to pay with their smartphones. This method of payment is very popular in Thailand.

Payment methods that support e-invoice processing via smartphone

In Thailand, there are several ways to pay for e-invoices via smartphone or mobile phone.

Mobile banking

Financial transactions via mobile banking applications allow customers to transfer money, pay bills, pay for goods or services, use PromptPay, or scan quick-response (QR) codes, as well as check transaction status in real time. This makes transactions fast and secure. They are equipped with authentication systems using personal identification numbers (PINs) or biometric verification, such as fingerprinting or facial scanning.

PromptPay

This is a popular electronic money transfer and receiving service in Thailand. Customers can link their bank accounts with their phone numbers or national ID card numbers to receive and transfer money without fees and within specified limits. Transactions via PromptPay reduce the steps and fees compared to other forms of money transfer.

QR codes

Payments can be made by scanning QR codes with banking apps or digital wallets on mobile phones. The customer logs in and selects the “Scan QR Code” menu. Then, they can make a payment immediately without the need to carry cash or cards. This can reduce risks posed by using credit card information. It also serves as a convenient and fast alternative that is suitable for everyday use and online shopping.

Digital wallets

Digital wallets are online payment accounts that customers can fund through various methods, such as bank transfers, automated teller machines (ATMs), counter services, or links to credit or debit cards. Digital wallets are commonly used to pay bills, purchase goods via QR codes or payment links, and make payments for goods and services in stores and online. Popular digital wallets in Thailand include LINE Pay, Shopee Pay, and TrueMoney.

Payment links

Payment links are created and sent to customers through sales communication channels, such as social media, email, or SMS. Businesses can easily create payment links and attach them to e-invoices. When customers click the links, they can access payment pages conveniently and securely. The links support various payment methods, such as credit and debit cards, PromptPay, and digital wallets.

Credit and debit cards

Credit and debit cards can be used for online transactions by providing card information, including card numbers, expiration dates, and card verification value (CVV) codes. A credit card provides a line of credit from a financial institution that allows the cardholder to spend first and pay later, while a debit card deducts money from the account immediately after transactions. This method is often processed through a payment gateway. There are also security standards, such as Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS), 3D Secure, and authentication via one-time passwords (OTPs).

Near-field communication (NFC) technology

NFC technology is used in contactless payments, such as using an NFC-enabled smartphone with a POS terminal or SoftPOS. This method provides quick and convenient payments because customers can complete transactions instantly by tapping their devices. Inserting a card or entering a PIN is unnecessary in most cases.

Business apps

These include online stores or online service apps that businesses use to sell products and services. They have built-in payment systems, and customers can choose products and pay for them via credit or debit card, QR code, mobile banking, or digital wallet. Examples of popular business apps in Thailand include 7-Eleven, Lazada, LINE MAN, M Card, Shopee, and The 1.

Why are e-invoice payments via smartphones popular in Thailand?

There are many factors that have made e-invoice payments via smartphones very popular among Thai customers.

Consistency with smartphone use

E-invoice payments cater to the behavior of Thai customers who have one of the highest mobile usage rates in the world. In Thailand, digital connectivity via mobile phones reaches almost 139%, and over 90% of Thai customers use smartphone-based payment systems. This includes e-invoice payments via smartphones.

Convenience and speed

Customers can pay bills or shop online with e-invoices via mobile banking or digital wallets on their smartphones. This includes paying water, electricity, and phone bills, as well as purchasing goods or services. Customers can do so without entering bank information or long account numbers and without carrying cash or credit cards.

Security

E-invoices include authentication systems and electronic signatures (i.e., e-signatures). These help keep information secure, traceable, and difficult to falsify. In addition, there are timestamps to verify the accuracy of information and identity of the seller.

Tax benefits

The Easy E-Receipt 2.0 project allows customers to use e-invoices or e-receipts for tax deductions starting in 2025. This provides an additional incentive for Thai customers to pay via e-invoices more often.

Cashless society policy

The Thai government is promoting the Thailand 4.0 policy to move toward a cashless society, build a digital economy system, and increase transparency in tax payments. This includes using payment methods such as mobile banking, QR codes, PromptPay, and payment links. The use of e-invoices is also part of this strategy.

Payment status tracking in real time

Most e-invoice systems via smartphone can provide real-time notifications and tracking of payment status. This immediately records payment confirmation and can reduce concerns about outstanding balances. It can also increase convenience and accuracy through close tracking of financial transactions for both customers and businesses.

Systematic data checks and storage

E-invoices can be stored on smartphones or in cloud systems with audit trails. This allows customers to easily search for or verify past transaction information, making financial transaction recordkeeping more efficient.

Examples of Thai businesses using e-invoices for billing

There are various types of Thai businesses that use e-invoices to bill their customers, including the following:

• Online stores: Online retailers often send e-invoices with QR codes or payment links that customers can use to pay immediately on their smartphones.
  
• Convenience stores: Convenience stores—such as 7-Eleven—often display e-invoices on the POS machine at the cashier counter. Customers can scan QR codes and purchase products in the 7-Eleven store using PromptPay or mobile banking via their smartphones.
  
• Department store chains: Central Group and The Mall Group issue e-invoices to customers to support tax deductions under the e-tax invoice policy in 2025.
  
• Telecommunications companies: Mobile service providers—such as the Advanced Info Service (AIS) and True Corporation—send e-invoices via SMS. This allows customers to view their bills and make payments via mobile banking apps or other chosen digital payment channels.
  
• Fitness centers: Many fitness centers in Thailand that charge customers monthly membership fees typically send e-invoices via email or SMS. They include payment links or QR codes for customers to pay via their smartphones.
  
• Food and beverage businesses: Food and beverage chains—such as The Pizza Company, Bar-B-Q Plaza, and Starbucks—issue e-invoices that allow customers to request e-receipts after completing payments.
  
• Public utilities: Public utility services—such as the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) and the Metropolitan Waterworks Authority (MWA)—issue e-invoices along with receipts via the e-tax invoice system. This allows customers to scan QR codes on their bills or click the payment links to proceed with payment immediately.
  

How to issue e-invoices in Thailand

Here are the steps for businesses in Thailand to issue e-invoices.

Submit an application to the e-Tax system

If a company is not yet in the Revenue Department’s e-tax system, it can submit Form B.O.01 to register for e-invoice use through the system. Prepare an electronic certificate from a service provider under the Thailand National Root Certification Authority (NRCA), and install the Ultimate Sign & Viewer program. Businesses that already use e-invoices can skip this step.

Choose an e-invoice solution

Choose a provider that offers the following e-invoice payment solutions:

• Sends invoices with payment links customers can click to pay immediately on their mobile phones
  
• Uses an application programming interface (API) that easily integrates with business accounting software and payment systems
  
• Saves data files in extensible markup language (XML) format according to Electronic Transactions Development Agency (ETDA) standards
  
• Uses electronic signatures
  
• Includes a database of historical information that can be checked conveniently and quickly
  

Issue an e-invoice

Create an XML file in line with ETDA standards. Then, fill in all required information, such as customer details, list and value of goods and services, invoice number, and document issuance date, as per Revenue Department Order P. 71/2541. Alternatively, use Stripe Invoicing to issue e-invoices automatically, reducing errors and eliminating the need for manual data entry or processing. Apply an e-signature, and use an electronic certificate for authentication.

Export an e-invoice

Send to customers or partners

Export the portable document format (PDF), A-3, or XML file to customers or partners, and send e-invoices via SMS, email, apps, an API connected to the customer’s accounting system, or e-billing systems, such as Stripe Billing. If the business uses e-Tax Invoice by Time Stamp when sending to customers or partners, it must use a registered email address and carbon copy (CC) to csemail@etax.teda.th.

Send information to the Revenue Department

Submit the XML file to the e-Tax Invoice and e-Receipt system via the chosen channel (e.g., website, service provider, Revenue Department’s system).

Store and back up data

Store XML and PDF files in the system for the defined period (i.e., at least five years) and periodically test data recovery. Always keep evidence of document delivery and acceptance from partners, including verification results.

How Stripe Invoicing can help

Stripe Invoicing simplifies your accounts receivable (AR) process—from invoice creation to payment collection. Whether you’re managing one-time or recurring billing, Stripe helps businesses get paid faster and streamline operations:

• Automate accounts receivable: Easily create, customize, and send professional invoices—no coding required. Stripe automatically tracks invoice status, sends payment reminders, and processes refunds, helping you stay on top of your cash flow.

• Accelerate cash flow: Reduce days sales outstanding (DSO) and get paid faster with integrated global payments, automatic reminders, and AI-powered dunning tools that help you recover more revenue.

• Enhance the customer experience: Deliver a modern payment experience with support for 25+ languages, 135+ currencies, and 100+ payment methods. Invoices are easy to access and pay through a self-serve customer portal.

• Reduce back-office workload: Generate invoices in minutes and reduce time spent on collections through automatic reminders and a Stripe-hosted invoice payment page.

• Integrate with your existing systems: Stripe Invoicing integrates with popular accounting and enterprise resource planning (ERP) software, helping you keep systems in sync and reduce manual data entry.

Learn more about how Stripe can simplify your accounts receivable process, or get started today.