Thai business operators must enhance their operating strategies to maintain a competitive edge, according to Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai on Monday.
He emphasized the importance of continuously improving business operations, highlighting the achievements of Chinese e-commerce platforms like JD.com, TikTok (Douyin), TaoBao, and Meituan, which have successfully implemented same-day delivery services for customers in select areas.
This call to action came after receiving a report from Oranuch Wannapinyo, director of the Department of International Trade Promotion’s (DITP) office in Guangzhou, which underscored the increasing demand for same-day delivery services among Chinese consumers.
According to the Commerce Minister, instant delivery has become the preferred method among users of Chinese e-commerce platforms, with 64% opting for it when available. The DITP report found that the Covid-19 pandemic significantly changed consumer behavior, with up to 75% now favoring same-day delivery for their orders.
In response to this shift, Chinese e-commerce platforms have expanded their options for quicker deliveries. For instance, Alibaba introduced its instant delivery service last month through its e-commerce application TaoBao and its courier service Ele.me. JD.com offers customers a guarantee of delivery within nine minutes through its JD Instant Delivery service. Additionally, Douyin, the Chinese version of TikTok, has entered the market with many retailers, including tech company Xiaomi Home, joining the initiative.
Mr. Phumtham recommended that Thai business operators analyze the strategies employed by these Chinese platforms, as this could benefit small and medium-sized enterprises in Thailand.
