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How to choose a Thailand payment gateway wisely

Written by Antom | Nov 25, 2025 4:42:14 PM

Thailand's online commerce continues to expand, driven by mobile habits and widespread use of digital payment options. Merchants face increasing expectations from shoppers who want quick, straightforward ways to pay across every channel. This article supports your decision-making as you assess payment gateways in Thailand.

Why a specialised payment gateway for Thailand is essential

Thailand's push toward digital transformation, often discussed in the context of Thailand 4.0, influences how online businesses operate. A growing share of everyday purchases happens through mobile devices. Mobile traffic accounts for most e-commerce activity, reflecting how buyers prefer to browse and complete online payment steps on their phones.

Local payment habits matter. Thai shoppers trust familiar options, including QR code payments, bank transfers, mobile banking apps, and popular e-wallets. For context, Thailand's e-commerce revenue is projected to reach USD 17.89 billion this 2025. The number of online shoppers is also increasing and is expected to pass 28 million users by 2030. Mobile devices drive more than 80% of all online sales, highlighting the importance of mobile payment coverage.

If your payment gateway supports these local habits and methods, you reduce checkout friction. When you present payment methods that Thai buyers recognise, you strengthen confidence and improve completion rates. A gateway with strong local roots can also help you navigate regulatory expectations and settlement preferences in Thailand.

Popular payment methods in Thailand

Bank transfers and mobile banking

Bank transfers represent a large portion (40%) of online payment activity. Many shoppers use mobile banking apps to complete purchases. Transfers remain a trusted option for those who prefer paying directly from their accounts.

PromptPay and QR payments

PromptPay is widely used in Thailand and plays an important role in the country's mobile payment ecosystem. Transfers through PromptPay hold over 40% of mobile transactions. QR payment flows suit the Thai market because shoppers find them quick and easy to complete.

E-wallets and super apps

E-wallets continue to grow at a steady pace. TrueMoney, Rabbit LINE Pay, and ShopeePay are among the well-known options. TrueMoney is popular partly due to competitively priced acceptance fees. Rabbit LINE Pay benefits from high usage of the LINE messaging app, which gives it wide visibility. ShopeePay also offers convenient payment flows that support mobile-first behaviour.

Cards and cash-based options

International and domestic cards remain part of the payment mix, though their share is smaller compared to bank transfers and e-wallets. Cash on delivery is still used for certain purchases, though it is becoming less common as digital payments mature.

When your checkout aligns with these payment methods in Thailand, you support higher conversion rates and reduce the risk of abandoned carts.

Top local payment gateway in Thailand

A few payment gateways operate within Thailand's ecosystem, and local presence can make a noticeable difference. Among them, 2C2P is a recognised Thai payment provider with established partnerships across the region. As a subsidiary of Antom, it combines local regulatory knowledge with wider access to payment methods and financial infrastructure.

For your business, a gateway with strong local coverage ensures support for QR payments, mobile banking transfers, and leading Thai e-wallets. Local acquiring can also improve authorisation rates because payments are processed closer to issuing banks. When a provider understands local regulations and consumer preferences, your checkout experience becomes more reliable.

When you compare providers, look at visibility in Thailand, supported Thai payment methods, local settlement availability, and the depth of acquiring capabilities.

Choosing a Thailand payment gateway: what to look for

Supported payment methods

Your gateway should cover cards, bank transfers, PromptPay, QR code payment options, and Thai e-wallets. If your customers rely on mobile channels, strong mobile payment support is especially important.

Local and cross-border reach

If you sell in Thailand and abroad, check how the gateway handles both domestic and international transactions. Ask whether it supports local acquiring in Thailand and whether it can process cross-border payments without unnecessary costs.

Integration and compatibility

Review the plugins, SDKs, and APIs available. Choose the option that aligns with your technical resources. For teams with limited engineering bandwidth, ready-made plugins for major e-commerce platforms might be more practical.

Security, fraud prevention, and compliance

Assess how the gateway addresses fraud management, including transaction monitoring, risk scoring, and buyer authentication. Confirm compliance with Thai regulations and international standards.

Pricing and fees

Compare transaction fees, fixed charges, settlement fees, and costs related to currency conversion. Some payment methods carry lower acceptance rates, which may help control overall processing costs. Ensure there are no unexpected add-ons.

Settlement timing and currencies

Clarify how quickly funds settle into your account and whether you can receive settlements in Thai Baht or other currencies. Consistent settlement cycles help you maintain healthier cash flow.

Merchant support

Support in Thai or English can make issue resolution easier. Evaluate response times and availability.

Future readiness

Look for a gateway that continues to add Thailand payment methods and features, including instalment options and subscription payments. Your business may expand, so the gateway should keep pace.

Consumer trust

Thai buyers often choose payment methods they know well. Check how your gateway appears to local shoppers and whether it supports the methods they prefer.

Payment gateway fees in Thailand

Fee 

Description

Setup fee

One-off charge for onboarding or implementation

Monthly fee

Recurring cost depending on the plan

Per-transaction fee

Percentage applied to each transaction, varying by payment method

Refund fee

Charge applied when issuing a refund

Chargeback fee

Cost applied when cardholders dispute transactions

Currency conversion fee

Cost of converting non-THB currencies

Extra fees

Charges for specific features, payment flows, or additional services

 

What to watch closely

  • Some gateways add a fixed fee per transaction. This impacts lower-value orders more significantly.
  • If you accept international payments, currency conversion adds cost. Knowing how each provider handles FX helps you plan margins.
  • Thai QR payments and e-wallets may have lower fees, which allows you to keep more from each sale.
  • Published rates usually apply to SMEs. Higher-volume merchants can often negotiate tailored pricing.
  • Read the fee schedule carefully to avoid unexpected charges.
  • Settlement speed may vary. Faster settlements can come with higher fees.

How to match a gateway to your business needs

  • By business size: Small and mid-sized online businesses may prefer simple integrations and predictable fees. Larger enterprises might require customised setups, wider coverage, and more advanced reporting.
  • By customer base: If most of your buyers are in Thailand, prioritise local e-wallets, QR payment coverage, and mobile banking options. If you have a regional or global audience, choose a gateway that supports cross-border payment methods and international settlement.
  • By technical capability: If your team prefers low-code tools, plugins and hosted checkout pages may suit you better. If you have in-house developers, direct API integrations give you more control.
  • By transaction volume and pattern: High-volume merchants can benefit from negotiated pricing and enhanced risk controls. Businesses with lower volume may focus on predictable costs.
  • By use case: If you offer subscriptions, ensure the gateway supports recurring billing. If you operate both online and in-store, look for QR or mobile payment solutions that can align your payment experience across channels.

Conclusion

A thoughtful approach to choosing a Thailand payment gateway helps you offer a checkout that meets consumer expectations. Antom and its subsidiary 2C2P contribute to this landscape. Remember, your final choice should reflect your product, reach, and operational needs. Your payment gateway should support your long-term growth by offering relevant Thai payment methods, reliable settlement, and a flexible approach for both domestic and international activity.