Central Pattana (CPN) is joining forces with WeChat Pay to stimulate Thai tourism, creating a seamless shopping experience for Chinese tourists.
Nattakit Tangpoonsinthana, executive vice-president of marketing for CPN, said the Tourism Authority of Thailand forecasts 5-8 million Chinese tourists this year.
Chinese were one of the top five source markets for tourists in January and February, with arrivals expected to soar this year, he said.
"We are pleased to collaborate with WeChat Pay as CPN believes in its potential, given that WeChat has 1.3 billion active users in China," said Mr Nattakit.
"This means most Chinese tourists interact with WeChat Pay daily. The collaboration will help us strengthen a target market through fast, convenient and secure transactions."
Ben Yang, managing director of WeChat Pay for Southeast Asia, said the company assesses high potential for the collaboration as CPN owns a variety of popular malls in key tourist destinations.
"Chinese tourists like to shop when in Thailand," he said.
Mr Yang said WeChat Pay offers exclusive promotions at CPN malls and received positive feedback during Chinese New Year campaigns.
"Usage of WeChat Pay at CPN malls has been outstanding. Transactions increased more than 50%, with its contribution throughout Thailand far beyond what we expected, especially for CentralWorld," he said.
WeChat Pay said it provides attractive exchange rates at selected CPN merchants at key malls, namely CentralWorld, Central Phuket, Central Pattaya, Central Chiangmai, Central Village, Central Samui and Central Rama 9.
