Central Retail Corporation (CRC) has partnered with Ant Group to introduce Alipay+ across its stores, offering full services for international digital payments to boost convenience for Asian tourists from the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong, Malaysia, and South Korea.

Users can make digital payments using their local digital wallet, such as Alipay (Chinese mainland), AlipayHK (Hong Kong SAR), Touch ‘n Go eWallet (Malaysia), and Kakao Pay (South Korea), without carrying cash or exchanging to Thai currency. 

Payments can be made across more than 3000 Central Retail outlets across Thailand, including Central and Robinson Deportment outlets, Supersports, Tops, Power Buy, B2S, OfficeMate, Matsukiyo, Tops Vita, and Muji. 

“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,” said Piyawan Leelasompop, head of corporate marketing at Central Retail Corporation. 

“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 introduction of Alipay+ in Thailand coincides with a rise in Asian tourists visiting Thailand. According to CRC, there were more than 12.46 million international tourists in the first half of 2023, with the top five source countries being Malaysia, China, Russia, South Korea, and India. 

The group said that number of travellers who shopped at Central Retail “significantly increased” during the first quarter – particularly at Central and Robinson Department Stores in key cities and tourist hotspots in Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Phuket. Sales to international travellers doubled year on year during the quarter.