Bangkok: Thai SMEs have achieved significant growth in online sales, with a reported 370% increase, thanks to initiatives encouraging the use of platforms like Shopee and TikTok. The government is actively promoting its digital economy strategy to boost online sales, generating over 2,384 million baht in revenue.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Lalida Periswiwatana, Deputy Spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, announced that the Department of Business Development (DBD) under the Ministry of Commerce is vigorously advancing the nation's digital economy. The focus is on empowering Thai SMEs to leverage popular e-commerce and social commerce platforms such as Shopee and TikTok to expand their markets, enhance earnings, and engage consumers across the country.
Ms. Periswiwatana emphasized the Department's commitment to strengthening the competitive edge of Thai SMEs in the digital economy. This is achieved through various promotional projects like Online Marketing Genius (OMG), Digital Village, Smart Local, MOC Biz Club, and The Influencer Journey. These initiatives are designed to comprehensively develop digital skills, content creation, live selling, and online presence.
Data from 2025 operations highlighted that entrepreneurs involved in these projects achieved total sales exceeding 2,384 million baht on the two platforms, marking a 370% increase from the previous year. The breakdown shows Shopee generating sales of 1,061.2 million baht from 1,209 sellers, a 425.59% increase, while TikTok Shop generated 1,322.8 million baht from 454 sellers, a 314.68% increase.
The sales data illustrates market demand, with Shopee's highest sales in fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) at 44.56%, followed by fashion at 27.14%, lifestyle at 26.56%, and electronics at 1.31%. On TikTok Shop, FMCG leads with 66.67%, followed by lifestyle at 20.37%, fashion at 9.88%, and electronics at 3.09%.
Ms. Periswiwatana attributed this success to comprehensive entrepreneurship development, which includes enhancing digital skills, content creation, live selling, landing page integration, and strategic sales promotions across platforms. This approach has enabled Thai SMEs to achieve tangible sales, genuine profits, and sustainable growth.
The government, in collaboration with the Ministry of Commerce, remains committed to supporting Thai SMEs in utilizing digital platforms as a primary tool for market expansion and increasing business opportunities. This initiative aims to drive robust economic growth in the digital era while fostering the development of e-commerce platforms by the Thai private sector.