GHL and Alipay+ enable 2,600 Thai merchants to accept cross-border payments from Asian mobile wallets

GHL Systems Berhad (GHL), a payment service company in the ASEAN region, has enabled Alipay+ for over 2,600 local businesses in Thailand to accept cross-border payments from Asian mobile wallets.

This includes 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.

Those 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.

The local businesses to benefit from this initiative come from a range of tourism industries, from retail, F&B to hospitality and attractions nationwide.

Prinya Jinantuya, Chief Executive Officer at GHL Thailand, says: “GHL's long-term partnership with Alipay, now further enhanced with the latest collaboration with Alipay+, holds immense value for the Thai tourism industry. 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. As digital transactions continue to rise, the economy benefits from enhanced transparency, efficiency, and security, positively impacting multiple sectors and promoting overall economic development.”

Jim Thompson is a Thailand silk company and one of the earliest local brands to complete the integration.

Nunnapat Verojanavat, Marketing Director at Jim Thompson, says: “By embracing cross-border digital payments, we can now offer a familiar and convenient payment method to these 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. This not only strengthens customer satisfaction but also contributes to building long-term customer loyalty.”

Dr Cherry Huang, General Manager of Alipay+ Offline Merchant Services, Ant Group, says: “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.”

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