SMEs and E Commerce   The Asia Foundation

1.0 

Introduction  

This study examines the current and future use of the Internet and E commerce of 

small and medium sized companies (SMEs) in Thailand. The survey was 

conducted between October to December 2001.  

1.1 

Summary of Use Patterns 

1.1.1  Description of Internet Users 

1.1.2  Prospective Users 

1.1.3  Traditional Companies 

1.2 

Drivers of Change 

1.3 

Usage Patterns 

1.3.1  Email 

1.3.2  Websites and Promotion 

1.3.3  E Commerce sites 

1.4 

Research and Information Searches 

1.5 

Domestic E Commerce   B2C and B2B 

1.5.1  B2C 

1.5.2  B2B 

1.6 

Barriers to Greater Usage 

1.6.1  Internal Barriers 

Management related skills 

English and Internet Etiquette 

Computers and Costs 

1.6.2  External Barriers 

Security and International Perceptions about Thailand 

Educational Issues and Poor IT Support Services 

Lack of Telephone Lines, Poor Access, Limited and Poor Service 

Poor Quality of ISPs 

1.7 

Policy Implications 

1.7.1  Let the Market Drive the Process 

1.7.2  Security and Perceptions of Security 

1.7.3  Education 

1.7.4  Regulatory Framework and Legal Enforcement 

1.7.5  Telecommunications Infrastructure 

1