Advanced Info Service (AIS), the country's largest mobile operator by subscribers, is gearing up efforts to provide small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with digital and telecom service solutions to help them survive during the pandemic via digital transformation.
"SMEs are the engine of growth, contributing 43% of GDP. They are aware of the importance of digital technologies, particularly online channels," said Tanapong Ittisakulchai, chief enterprise business officer of AIS.
There are 3.1 million SMEs employing 13 million people.
According to the Office of SME Promotion (Osmep), 61.4% of SMEs lacked an online sales channel during the pandemic in 2020. The remainder used Facebook, Line and websites for sales.
Some 79.3% of the SMEs were able to receive online payment.
According to a survey by AIS from April to July 2020, SMEs employed six strategies to weather difficult times during the pandemic: controlling cost, seeking new businesses, developing new online assets, engaging in social media to promote products and services, ironing out a business continuity plan as well as using business analytic tools.
The survey found SMEs adjusted themselves to weather the impact from the pandemic by levelling up online sales promotions, innovation and resilience as well as undergoing cost structure change through technology adoption.
SMEs want to invest in technologies that help them reduce costs and boost growth, such as cloud computing, Internet of Things (IoT) and cybersecurity, said Mr Tanapong.
"AIS aims to become a trusted companion for local SMEs with business solutions offered," said Mr Tanapong.
One solution is "SME Pro Social" package, starting at 599 baht a month, where online merchants can enjoy discounts for live-streaming equipment purchases and unlimited data usage.
The company also offers a digital marketing solution under which vendors would be supported with marketing tools, such as chatbots.
AIS also offers IT and digital solutions for SMEs, ranging from cloud computing to CCTV and from video conference tools to cybersecurity services.
Additionally, AIS offers internet service solutions, including internet broadband through fibre optic in which customers can choose speed and usage time, as well as WiFi services for apartment and hotel businesses.
As the pandemic takes hold, high-speed internet and digital marketing solutions are gathering pace among SMEs.
Enterprise business accounted for 10% of AIS's total revenue last year and large enterprises dominated the segment, said Mr Tanapong.