Thailand businesses urged to adopt same-day delivery strategies

Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai urged Thai business operators to enhance their operating strategies to maintain a competitive edge.

He emphasised the necessity for continuous upgrades, pointing to the success of Chinese e-commerce giants like JD.com, TikTok (Douyin), TaoBao, and Meituan, which have thrived by offering same-day delivery services in certain regions.

Phumtham’s remarks came following a report from Oranuch Wannapinyo, Director of the Department of International Trade Promotion’s (DITP) office in Guangzhou. The report underscored the growing popularity of same-day delivery among Chinese consumers.

According to the DITP report, instant delivery has become the preferred method for 64% of users on Chinese e-commerce platforms. The shift in consumer behaviour, accelerated by the Covid-19 pandemic, now sees up to 75% of consumers favouring same-day delivery.

In response to this trend, Chinese platforms have diversified their delivery options to cater to consumer demands. Alibaba recently launched an instant delivery service on its e-commerce app TaoBao, alongside the courier service Ele. me. JD.com has introduced a nine-minute delivery guarantee with its JD Instant Delivery service. Douyin, the Chinese version of TikTok, has also entered the market, with companies like Xiaomi Home joining the fast delivery campaign, said Phumtham.

“Thai business operators should study the strategies used by Chinese platforms, which could benefit small- and medium-sized enterprises.”

Recognising these shifts in the market, Phumtham believes that adopting similar strategies could help Thai businesses improve their competitiveness and customer satisfaction, reported Bangkok Post.

In related news, the Commerce Ministry will finalise the registration of two million vendors for the digital wallet handout scheme by September, marking a significant step in the initiative to boost the economy.

Phumtham announced that up to two million vendors are expected to participate in the scheme.

The ministry plans to disclose more details next week regarding the participating stores and the steps eligible recipients must take to receive and spend the digital handout.