KUALA LUMPUR (June 20): Payment service provider GHL Systems Bhd has enabled Alipay+ for over 2,600 local businesses in Thailand to accept cross-border digital payments from leading Asian mobile wallets.

The payments will also include AlipayHK (Hong Kong SAR), Kakao Pay (South Korea), Touch 'n Go eWallet (Malaysia) and Alipay (Chinese mainland), which has been accepted by Thai merchants since 2015, GHL said in a joint statement with Alipay+ and Jim Thompson Ltd on Tuesday (June 20).

“Travellers visiting Thailand can now pay with their home e-wallets at over 5,000 retail outlets powered by GHL, through a partnership with Alipay+, a suite of global cross-border digital payment and marketing solutions operated by Ant Group,” it said.

The payments will benefit Thailand's local businesses from various tourism industries, including retail, food and beverages (F&B), hospitality and attractions.

“Local businesses can attract a broader customer base of Asian travellers, offering them a familiar and convenient payment method.

“This integration aligns with Thailand's vision to create a cashless economy, fostering financial inclusivity and driving economic growth,” said GHL Thailand chief executive officer Prinya Jinantuya.

It is worth noting that Thailand has achieved its target for tourist arrivals of 6.15 million visitors in the first quarter of 2023.

“As travellers return to Thailand, they have greater expectations of their travel and retail experience, particularly as many have become accustomed to a seamless payment experience via mobile wallets,” GHL noted.

Alipay+ offline merchant services general manager Dr Cherry Huang said that today’s travellers are not the same as they were before the pandemic, with many now used to digital lifestyles, which they will expect no matter where they go.

"Through our local partners like GHL, we can enable more local businesses to easily accept digital payments like e-wallets, which is fast becoming the preferred payment method of Asian consumers, helping them provide a more convenient, fuss-free experience," she said.

Travellers can use their own local mobile wallets at popular shopping destinations such as all six Premium Outlets, including in Cha-am, Khao-Yai, Pattaya, Ayutthaya, Phuket and Krabi, she noted.

Thai silk company Jim Thompson, which is one of the earliest local brands to complete the integration, stands as a testament to the benefits of this partnership.

Jim Thompson marketing director Nunnapat Verojanavat said by embracing cross-border digital payments, the brand can now offer a familiar and convenient payment method to travellers, enhancing their overall shopping experience.

“Tourists from China, Hong Kong, South Korea, and Malaysia, who are accustomed to using mobile wallets as their preferred payment method, can now enjoy a seamless and hassle-free shopping experience,” she said.

At 3.40pm, shares in GHL were up one sen or 1.21% to 84 sen on Tuesday, valuing the company at RM953.15 million.