Central Retail Corporation (CRC) joins forces with Ant Group to launch Alipay+, providing comprehensive services for international digital payments to enhance convenience for Asian tourists from China, Hong Kong, Malaysia and South Korea. Users can easily make online payments via their local digital wallet, including China’s Alipay, Hong Kong’s AlipayHK, Malaysia’s Touch ‘n Go eWallet and South Korea’s Kakao Pay without having to carry cash or exchange to Thai currency.
Payments can be made across over 3,000 stores nationwide under Central Retail, including Central and Robinson Deportment Stores, Supersports, Tops, Power Buy, B2S, OfficeMate, Matsukiyo, Tops Vita and Muji, unlocking greater convenience and choice for tourists in Thailand.
The launch of Alipay+ in Thailand is also in line with the increase of Asian tourists travelling to Thailand. For the first half of 2023, there were over 12.46 million international tourists with the top 5 countries including Malaysia, China, Russia, South Korea, and India, respectively. It is also expected that the total number of international tourists will reach 25 million people within this year. With Central Retail housing a wide range of leading brands and shops, its stores are considered popular destinations for international travellers in Thailand. In Q1/23, the number of tourists shopped at Central Retail increased almost 200% compared to the same period last year , especially at Central and Robinson Department Stores located in key cities and tourist destinations in Bangkok and UPC, including Chiang Mai and Phuket.
Central Retail Corporation PCL Head of Corporate Marketing Piyawan Leelasompop, says, “This partnership between Central Retail and Ant Group to launch Alipay+ in Thailand will increase digital payment channels for Central Retail customers, delivering comprehensive services to serve consumers who prefer cashless payments. The company aims to target Asian tourists travelling to Thailand, providing convenience for those shopping at brands under Central Retail via Alipay+ with their local mobile wallet. There are also plans in the pipeline to expand payment services, accommodating tourists from other countries, including in Asia and Europe.”
“The launch of digital payment service Alipay+ will elevate the CRC Ecosystem by bringing the best technologies and systems from around the world to drive inclusive growth for our customers, brands and partners as well as deliver next-level experiences for consumers in every dimension. This is in line with the CRC Retailligence strategy, in which we aim to drive leaping growth within 5 years and become Asia’s Next-Gen Omni Retailer,” Piyawan added.
Ant Group Thailand General Manager for Global Merchant Partnership Sittipong Kittiprapapong, says, “It is considered an important partnership between Ant Group and Central Retail in offering modern and convenient services so international customers can make borderless digital payments. Alipay+ will also enable vendors in Central Retail to accept digital payments from Asian tourists as well as provide a convenient platform for international shoppers to browse products throughout their time in Thailand, delivering convenient and seamless experiences just as if they are in their home country.”
“We are committed to support businesses to connect with over 1 billion consumers across the region and the world via a comprehensive operating system that delivers ease and convenience,” said Sittipong.
International travels who use Alipay+ to shop at Central Retail stores from 15 August to 30 September 2023 will receive a discount coupon under the Mega Campaign, which includes:
- For every 200 baht spent, receive a cash voucher worth 50 baht
- For every 2,000 baht spent, receive a cash voucher worth 250 baht
For additional details about the Mega Campaign for Alipay+ users, visit www.centralretail.com and Facebook: Central Retail.
