GHL Systems Berhad has partnered with Alipay+ to enable over 2,600 local businesses in Thailand to accept cross-border digital payments from leading Asian mobile wallets. This collaboration allows travelers to make seamless mobile e-wallet payments at over 5,000 retail outlets, revolutionizing the payment experience and benefiting various tourism sectors.
BANGKOK, 20 June 2023 – GHL Systems Berhad (GHL), the premier payment service company in the ASEAN region, has successfully integrated Alipay+ to facilitate cross-border digital payments from major Asian mobile wallets for more than 2,600 local businesses in Thailand. This collaboration allows Thai merchants to accept mobile e-wallet payments from renowned platforms like AlipayHK, Kakao Pay, Touch ‘n Go eWallet, and Alipay, significantly enhancing the payment experience for travelers and boosting the local tourism industry.
As Thailand achieves its first-quarter target of 6.15 million tourist arrivals[1], the demand for seamless and convenient payment experiences has become increasingly vital. By partnering with Alipay+, a global cross-border digital payments and marketing solution offered by Ant Group, GHL empowers over 5,000 retail outlets in Thailand to accept mobile e-wallet payments, catering to various tourism sectors including retail, F&B, hospitality, and attractions across the country.
Mr. Prinya Jinantuya, Chief Executive Officer of GHL Thailand, expressed the value of the long-standing partnership with Alipay and emphasized the benefits of the latest collaboration with Alipay+. He stated, “This strategic integration holds immense value for the Thai tourism industry. By embracing cross-border digital payments, local businesses can attract a broader customer base of Asian travelers, offering them a familiar and convenient payment method. This aligns perfectly with Thailand’s vision to foster a cashless economy, drive economic growth, and promote financial inclusivity. With the rise of digital transactions, our economy gains enhanced transparency, efficiency, and security, which positively impacts multiple sectors and overall economic development.”
Jim Thompson, Thailand’s renowned silk company and an early adopter of the integration, stands as a testament to the advantages of this partnership. By embracing cross-border digital payments, Jim Thompson can provide a familiar and seamless payment experience for tourists from China, Hong Kong, South Korea, and Malaysia, who prefer using mobile wallets. Nunnapat Verojanavat, Marketing Director of Jim Thompson, highlighted the significance of this development, stating, “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 at Ant Group, emphasized the changing expectations of today’s travelers and the need for digital lifestyles to be seamlessly integrated into their experiences. Through local partners like GHL, more businesses can easily accept digital payments, offering a convenient and hassle-free experience for Asian consumers, who increasingly prefer using e-wallets as their preferred payment method.
Travelers visiting Thailand will now enjoy the convenience of using their preferred local mobile wallets at popular shopping destinations, including all six Premium Outlets in Cha-am, Khao-Yai, Pattaya, Ayutthaya, Phuket, and Krabi, along with a wide range of other retail and entertainment options.
