#eCommerceAdvice

Guide to Thailand's e-commerce payment gateways

6 Mins Read

For any e-commerce business in Thailand, selecting the right payment gateway is important for satisfying local customers and attracting and retaining an international clientele.

Payment gateways are essential in the e-commerce ecosystem as they bridge the gap between customers, merchants, and financial institutions. These systems are responsible for the verification and authentication of transactions. They confirm the legitimacy of payment methods and check for the availability of funds to complete a purchase, preventing unauthorized transactions and encrypting sensitive information such as credit card numbers and personal details.

An online payment gateway gives your business the ability to offer diverse payment methods in Thailand and globally, but come with varying fees and features that impact customer satisfaction and your bottom line. Let’s explore some of the best payment gateway options for your e-commerce website or business.

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What Thai e-commerce businesses should look for when choosing a payment gateway

Here are key factors e-commerce businesses based in Thailand should consider when choosing a payment gateway:

  • Support for local payment methods in Thailand: Your chosen e-commerce gateway must support popular local payment methods in Thailand like PromptPay, TrueMoney Wallet, Rabbit LINE Pay. This gives local consumers more options when it comes to purchasing from your business.
  • Integration with popular e-commerce platforms in Thailand: The payment gateway for your e-commerce website should be able to integrate with your existing e-commerce platform (e.g., Shopify, WooCommerce, Magento, or popular Thai marketplaces like Lazada and Shopee if you operate there). 
  • Cross-Border and international transaction capabilities: If your e-commerce business aims to reach a global customer base, ensure the payment gateway supports multi-currency processing and international payment methods (e.g., major credit cards like Visa, Mastercard, and international e-wallets like PayPal). 
  • Transparent and competitive fees: Besides convenience, consider how the payment gateway will affect your business finances. Look at transaction fees (per-transaction or percentage-based), setup costs, monthly fees, and potential hidden charges for refunds or chargebacks.
  • Robust security and fraud prevention: Prioritize a payment gateway that complies with international security standards like PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard) and offers advanced fraud detection tools. Protecting sensitive customer information is important for building trust and maintaining your e-commerce business's reputation.
  • Reliable customer support and onboarding: Efficient customer support for Thai businesses, preferably with Thai-language options, is invaluable for resolving any payment-related issues quickly. Look for providers that offer comprehensive onboarding processes and readily available assistance to ensure smooth setup for your operations.

Popular payment gateways in Thailand

As mentioned earlier, selecting the right payment gateway is a critical decision for any e-commerce business in Thailand, for the correct one can significantly influence operational efficiency and customer satisfaction. Here’s an overview of some of the best payment gateways.

1. Omise

Supported Payment MethodsCredit/debit cards: Visa, Mastercard
QR code payments: PromptPay
Digital wallets: TrueMoney Wallet, Rabbit LINE Pay, Alipay
Internet banking: Most major Thai banks
Transaction FeesOmise typically operates on a per-transaction basis with no upfront fees or hidden costs2
Pros
  • Extensive range of local and international payment methods.
  • Strong emphasis on security, including 3-D Secure for card transactions.
  • Comprehensive developer tools and APIs for seamless integration.
  • Supports recurring payments and invoicing.
Cons
  • Transaction fees might be higher for certain payment methods or smaller transaction volumes.
  • Onboarding can take longer as there is a detailed verification process.

2. 2C2P

2C2P was founded in Bangkok and is now a payment gateway available in Asia and Europe. It is well-known for being simple for merchants to set up and allowing merchants to accept a variety of online payments from different currencies.

Supported Payment MethodsCredit/debit cards: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, JCB, UnionPay
QR code payments: PromptPay
Digital wallets: Google Pay, TrueMoney Wallet, ShopeePay
Internet banking: Most major Thai banks
Buy now, pay later: Atome
Transaction Fees2C2P's fee structure is typically customized based on merchant volume, industry, and the specific services utilized. They generally involve a percentage per transaction, with rates varying significantly depending on the payment method.
Pros
  • Most comprehensive array of local and international payment methods for the Asian market.
  • Flexible integration options (API, SDKs, plugins for various e-commerce platforms).
  • Strong local support and expertise across multiple Asian markets.
Cons
  • Breadth of features can be overwhelming for simple e-commerce website needs.
  • Pricing is not publicly listed and only available via request.

3. PayPal

PayPal is a globally recognized leader in online payment gateway solutions, offering a trusted and secure platform particularly valuable for Thai e-commerce businesses with a significant international customer base.

Supported Payment MethodsCredit/debit cards: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, and all other major payment networks
Digital wallets: Google Pay, Apple Pay, PayPal wallet
Transaction FeesFor commercial transactions (receiving payments for goods/services) in Thailand, PayPal typically charges a percentage fee plus a fixed fee (11 THB) per transaction.
Pros
  • High global recognition and trust.
  • Robust security features, including PCI DSS compliance and comprehensive buyer/seller protection policies.
  • Quick and easy integration with most major e-commerce platforms.
  • Supports a wide range of international currencies.
Cons
  • Generally higher fees compared to local gateways, especially for cross-border transactions and currency conversions.
  • Funds can sometimes be held or subject to review, which may impact cash flow.
  • Limited direct support for hyper-local Thai payment methods beyond card payments processed through their system.

4. Stripe

Stripe is globally recognized for its developer-friendly platform and extensive customization capabilities, making it a popular choice for tech-savvy e-commerce businesses in Thailand seeking flexible integration and advanced payment processing tools.

Supported Payment MethodsCredit/debit cards: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, JCB, Discover, and other major international cards
QR code: PromptPay
Digital wallets: Google Pay, Apple Pay
Transaction FeesStripe's pricing uses a percentage per successful transaction plus a fixed fee (11 THB). There is also an additional 2% fee for currency conversion.
Pros
  • Can be customized and integrated with e-commerce platforms.
  • Wide range of tools for optimizing payment processes, managing subscriptions, and financial reporting.
  • Strong built-in fraud prevention (Stripe Radar).
  • Supports payouts to local bank accounts (with associated fees).
Cons
  • Initial setup for e-commerce websites may require developer expertise, making it less plug-and-play for non-technical users.
  • Local Thai e-wallet support is not as extensive as some regional or local players.
  • Fees can add up, especially with international transactions and currency conversion.

5. TrueMoney

TrueMoney is a popular digital wallet in Thailand that also functions as a payment gateway for e-commerce businesses.

Supported Payment MethodsQR code: PromptPay
Digital wallets: TrueMoney Wallet, Alipay, WeChat Pay
Transaction FeesFees for merchants accepting TrueMoney Wallet payments can vary, generally ranging from 0.5% to 2.5% per transaction. Specific rates depend on the merchant agreement and transaction volume.
Pros
  • TrueMoney Wallet boasts tens of millions of users in Thailand, making it essential for reaching a large segment of the local market.
  • Highly trusted and widely used by Thai consumers, leading to higher conversion rates for local sales.
  • Increasingly important for accepting payments from Chinese users using Alipay/WeChat Pay.
Cons
  • Focuses on digital wallets and does not cover traditional credit/debit card processing without a broader payment gateway.
  • Primarily focused on local payments and does not have many options for international transactions.

Take your Thai e-commerce business further with DHL Express

Besides choosing the right e-commerce payment gateway, successful Thai e-commerce businesses also require a strong logistics partner for international shipping. A seamless customer experience, especially for global transactions, relies on efficient first, mid and last-mile delivery just as much as diverse payment methods. 

Partner with DHL Express Thailand to combine secure online payments with reliable, worldwide shipping, ultimately building customer trust and expanding your global market reach. Calculate the cost of shipping from Thailand or create a DHL Express business account with us today.