- Alipay+ enables 9 new international e-wallets in Thailand, bringing the total to 13.
- Enabled via Counter Service, more Alipay+ partner apps now accepted at all 7-Eleven stores across Thailand; Alipay (Chinese mainland) accepted at 7-Eleven Thailand since 2016.
- Alipay+ and 7-Eleven jointly welcome tourists for Chinese New Year with exclusive campaigns.
In an exciting development for tourists and locals alike, Thailand’s 7-Eleven stores have taken a giant leap forward in digital convenience. In a strategic move to cater to the digital-savvy traveler, all 14,500 outlets across the country are now equipped to accept digital payments through Alipay+, a leading cross-border mobile payment and marketing platform operated by Ant International. This initiative, powered by the integration with Counter Service, marks a significant milestone in 7-Eleven’s digitalization journey, ensuring that the stores are ready to meet the heightened expectations of international visitors, especially with the Chinese New Year travel peak on the horizon.
Alipay+ has expanded its reach within Thailand’s retail environment by integrating nine additional international e-wallets, making it easier for tourists from Malaysia, South Korea, Singapore, the Philippines, Mongolia, Macao SAR, China, and Italy to transact seamlessly. These include MyPB by Public Bank Berhad, Naver Pay, Toss Pay, Changi Pay, OCBC Digital, GCash, Hipay, MPay, and Tinaba, alongside existing services like Alipay, AlipayHK, Kakao Pay, and Touch ‘n Go eWallet that have been facilitating transactions since 2015 and 2023, respectively.
The timing of this expansion could not be more perfect, as the Chinese New Year, commencing on February 10, is expected to draw an influx of 1 million foreign tourists, potentially contributing approximately 28.4 billion baht (~US$800 million) to Thailand’s economy. The majority of these tourists are anticipated to come from the Chinese mainland and Hong Kong SAR, as noted by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).
7-Eleven’s widespread presence across Thailand positions them as more than just convenience stores; they are a veritable treasure trove for food enthusiasts and a hub for a wide array of products, including local delicacies, health-focused options, and souvenirs.
Weeradej Ackapolpanich, Managing Director at Counter Service Company Limited, expressed his views on this transformative collaboration: “Counter Service, the world-class reliable, trustful, and innovative payment system, has strengthened and increased digital payment channels for 7-Eleven stores nationwide and provide daily conveniences, which includes financial service, insurance, sports and concert ticket, travel and tourism, etc. With a significant rise of travel demand, we aim to accommodate, connect, and cater to tourists from all over the world with cashless trend and convenience services.”
Alipay+’s global reach now spans 57 markets, connecting over 88 million merchants worldwide to 1.5 billion accounts across more than 25 leading e-wallets and payment apps. The platform’s expansion in Thailand is notable, with a wide array of merchants including top retail and lifestyle destinations as well as beloved local brands.
Sittipong Kittiprapapong, General Manager, Global Merchant Partnership, Thailand, Ant International, highlighted the strategic importance of Thailand as a global travel destination: “Thailand is one of the most popular travel destinations globally and we’re excited to do more to support the digitalization of the vibrant tourism sector locally. By working closely with local merchants and partners like the Tourism Authority of Thailand, we’re attracting more Chinese and Asian tourists to Thailand, creating a more convenient and worry-free experience for travelers, and helping more businesses benefit from tourism growth.”
In anticipation of the expected surge in visitors, 7-Eleven Thailand and Alipay+ are launching an exclusive promotion for users of Alipay+ partner apps, offering coupons with up to 50 percent savings, ensuring a more rewarding shopping experience for tourists during their visit. This move not only enhances the convenience for international visitors but also signifies a pivotal step in the digital transformation of the retail landscape in Thailand, promising a seamless and enriched shopping experience for all.
