This e-commerce segment is still in its infancy, with gems and jewellery, books, flowers and the souvenir industry outperforming all other products and services. Most Thais are still unwilling to make online purchases, largely because of the lack of consumer protection laws in place. The main reason for buyer resistance, the survey said, was that users complained of being unable to touch or closely examine a product when they are online. The second reason was reluctance to provide a credit-card number. Trust is a key factor.
Most modern stores have yet to fully embrace e-commerce, although most have a Web presence.
It will take three to five years for modern trade stores to get fully online in business, including online payment and delivery services. The concept of online business doesn t match the thinking of big modern trade stores, which by nature keep large inventories. In fact, the basis of online business is to keep a minimal inventory so that reduced operating costs can be passed on to consumers in terms of price cuts, an industry analyst said. In addition, there are about 150 companies linked with their trade partners through private electronic networks. Investment in B2B e-commerce has experienced significant growth in Thailand since the beginning of 2000.