Thailand 7-Eleven stores now accept QR code payment

Shoppers, rejoice! Thailand’s 7-Eleven stores just made paying for your snacks and drinks easier with the introduction of PromptPay QR code payments. But while customers love the convenience, smaller grocery stores may be facing a fresh nightmare.

7-Eleven’s official Facebook page announced today the rollout of PromptPay, a move that left fans buzzing. “Tears are flowing #Consumers, what do you think?” the post asked, sparking excitement online. Now, 7-Eleven customers across 480 stores nationwide can settle their bills using their mobile banking apps.

Here’s how it works: Open your bank app, select “My QR,” enter the amount, and let the cashier scan the code. It’s that simple. All major banking apps are supported, offering a seamless, cashless experience at 7-Eleven stores in Thailand.

But not everyone is cheering. Small grocery stores, already under pressure from stiff competition, are scrambling to keep up. While 7-Eleven enjoys the edge of lower costs and more aggressive promotions, smaller stores struggle to adapt to the new payment trends.

With the technological shift, many face the challenge of setting up costly, complex systems that they may lack the know-how to manage.

Even more troubling, older customers, some of whom don’t own smartphones or are unfamiliar with digital payments, may be left behind.

As 7-Eleven continues to lure customers with easy payments and special offers, local shops risk losing foot traffic, especially when economic stimulus policies or promotions roll in, reported ASEAN NOW and Amarin TV.

As the retail world embraces tech, the gap between giants like 7-Eleven and smaller stores grows ever wider.

In related news, Malaysia and Cambodia have collaboratively launched a cross-border quick response (QR) payment linkage, enabling consumers and merchants to conduct instant retail payments via mobile applications.

This initiative, announced by Bank Negara Malaysia and the National Bank of Cambodia (NBC), aims to enhance the payment experience and expand market reach for over 5 million merchants in both countries, primarily small businesses.