Thai website in revamp to support China focus

Thai website in revamp to support China focus

Thai One Mall Co says it has improved its e-commerce site to offer more convenience for Chinese e-commerce shoppers while creating a shortcut for Thai entrepreneurs to sell their products in the Chinese market.

The website, www.thaionemall.com, is expected to serve increasing demand for quality Thai products from Chinese shoppers and help Thai producers boost exports to China.

Rui Guo, chief executive of Thai One Mall, said Chinese e-commerce has been growing steadily with strong support from the government to enhance the telecommunications network, logistics, online security and product delivery.

"Chinese people's spending on e-commerce is driving Chinese economic growth, and online shopping is expanding by more than 30% annually," she said.

Spending per online purchase is about 500 baht.

Some 10.2 million Chinese tourists are forecast to visit Thailand this year, with 60% of them considered free independent travellers (FITs), according to the Tourism Council of Thailand.

After their visits, Chinese FITs who are fond of Thailand will buy more Thai products from Thai One Mall, Ms Guo said.

The company is 100% owned by consumer goods conglomerate Saha Group after an acquisition last year from Jiaranai Entertainment Co.

Currently, 30-40% of products sold on www.thaionemall.com are from Saha Group, the most popular item being Mama instant noodles.

Ms Guo said the online marketplace is being supported by the Board of Investment to reduce investment risk. The company has also received tax incentives and reduced financing costs.

Thai One Mall expects to have more than 100 products and services catering to Chinese shoppers. In addition, the e-commerce site provides investment advice to those who want to sell products in China.

This year's revenue is forecast to rise by nearly 300% from 60 million baht last year, thanks to new product partners and the growing ranks of Chinese FITs who spend more on online shopping.

Of total revenue, consumer products will contribute half and medical tourism packages, travel packages and consultancy service fees will make up the rest.

Ms Guo voiced optimism that Thai One Mall would be among the top five e-commerce websites in Asia within three years.

"We are confident of becoming a top-five e-commerce site distributing Thai products in China," she said.

To that end, Thai One Mall has entered into a deal with S. Khonkaen Foods Plc, a processed food maker, to offer the latter company's products for sale on the website next year.

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