BANGKOK: Thailand can serve as a role model for mobile business development in Asean because of its solid economic fundamentals and the presence of top global technology firms, says a technology event management company.
“This is certainly a pivotal year for the Thai telecom industry with the arrival of fourth-generation wireless broadband services and the encouragement of online traders and investors,” said Bart Medici, managing director of Bangkok Entrepreneurs, an organiser of networking and technology conferences.
Thailand’s mobile service market has been valued at 300 billion baht annually, with over 110 million mobile subscribers. Subscribers are expected to rise to 150 million this year, he said, citing figures reported by the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission. Thailand’s telecom market presents huge potential as emerging economies, especially in Southeast Asia, move towards digital.
Huge investment by international mobile payment providers like Alipay and WeChat provide plenty of potential, said Mr Medici. However, consumers still face challenges with respect to efficient modes of cashless payments and mobile money platforms, he said. To present mobile industry trends and challenges, Bangkok Entrepreneurs will hold “Thailand Mobile Summit 2016” under the theme of Everything Mobile.