Visa has partnered with SCB and Soft Space to expand Tap to Pay to two of Bangkok’s shopping destinations, Chatuchak Weekend Market and Pratunam Market.
has partnered with SCB and Soft Space to expand Tap to Pay to two of Bangkok’s shopping destinations, Chatuchak Weekend Market and Pratunam Market.
These locations are high-traffic shopping destinations, and the alliance between the three companies aims to modernise payment acceptance for local merchants, improving convenience for tourists and unlocking better spending potential to support Thailand’s economic growth.
Expanding Tap to Pay in emerging markets
The move offers a contactless payment solution that allows merchants to accept credit and debit card payments through their smartphones, creating a convenient experience for both shoppers and merchants. This option, alongside EDC terminals, requires no additional hardware.
For local and international customers, contactless cards and mobile wallets offer a fast and secure payment experience, with faster transactions that don’t require physical cash or currency exchanges. This aims to make their shopping journey more convenient and simpler. The initiative also supports the wider development of a modern digital economy in Thailand, strengthening cross-border payment infrastructure.
Tap to Pay improves sales, expands customer reach, and reduces reliance on cash by allowing SMEs to accept card payments directly on their smartphones. This aims to lower operational costs for merchants and allows them to serve more locals and tourists alike.
Merchants, particularly small businesses in tourist-heavy areas like street food vendors, cafés, beauty salons, spas, and community shops, have already embraced the solution. These are businesses that previously lacked access to electronic payment systems. The initiative’s growth reflects the demand for modern low-cost payment solutions, backed by studies showing that contactless payments in Thailand have surged, with more than 66 per cent of Visa transactions now taking place via contactless methods each month.
The three companies will expand the programme into provincial areas and new retail categories as well, ensuring better access to digital payment tools across the country. The expansion reflects Visa, SCB, and Soft Space’s shared vision to promote digital developments, financial inclusion, and sustainable economic growth for the region’s dynamic retail zones.
