Facebook has helped over 241 million people in Southeast Asia, including 37 million Thais, stay connected with friends, family, businesses and important events, a new study has revealed.
Up to 94% of users in the region access Facebook through their mobiles, according to the study, released by global management consultancy McKinsey and Co.
Many Facebook users in Southeast Asia say the social media platform is where they first discover breaking news, along with new games, products, brands, services and entertainment.
Half of all people on Facebook are connected to someone in a different country, a number which has tripled in the past year. An analysis of the over 50 million small businesses that use Facebook to find customers has further shown that 30% of their fans are from other countries.
"Southeast Asia is a dynamic mobile-first region, and the fastest growing for Facebook. Connecting the more than 241 million people in Southeast Asia -- and 37 million Thais -- on Facebook to the friends and family, businesses and moments that matter to them is at the core of everything we do," said Kenneth Bishop, Facebook managing director for Southeast Asia.
"We are committed to investing in resources and expertise to help our partners in Southeast Asia grow and achieve measurable business results," he added.
Mr Bishop said Facebook had recently announced a new milestone of 3 million active advertisers, a number that has grown 50% in one year. A large part of that growth had been driven by advertisers in Southeast Asia who are moving beyond traditional advertising channels to reach the region's mobile-first consumers.
According to Facebook, Thais and Singaporeans actively engage with businesses through Facebook messages at rates nearly double the global average.