SMEs and E Commerce   The Asia Foundation

Twenty two companies (45.8%) had decided not to use the Internet in the next 12 

months. Reasons included: 

     No need (77.27% or 17 companies) 

     Have no idea about the Internet (54.5% or 12 companies) 

Among these 48 companies, 14 companies (29.2%) had used the Internet at home 

for private use. Thirteen companies had not intended to develop a website in the 

next 12 months. Reasons included: 

     45.5% cited  not essential for the business  

     22.7% cited  lack of educated personnel  

     13.6% cited  lack of finances  

     9.1% cited   internet too slow  

     9.1% had other various answers.  

Fifteen companies had not considered joining an e commerce portal. Reasons 

included: 

     No need (66.67%) 

     Do not have knowledge (20%) 

     Not ready(6.67%) 

6.0  

Prospective Internet users  

6.1  

Internet 

Twenty six companies (54.2%) of 48 non Internet users had decided to use the 

Internet in the next 12 months. Reasons included: 

     Cost saving communication tool (3.8%) 

     To communicate with customers (69.2%) 

     Information search (23%) 

88.5% of these respondents would use the in office Internet. 11.5% would use at 

the Internet cafe or other places.  

The most important function of the Internet that was first ranked by the 

respondents was to promote company. The second most important function was 

e mail to communicate with customers. The third most important function was e 

mail to communicate with suppliers. The least important function of the Internet 

was the Internet Banking. 

Most companies (84.6%) had proposed to use dial up to connect to the Internet. 

One company would use ISDN whereas another one would use wireless. 

Most respondents (73%) would spend between more than 450 Baht (USD 10) up 

to more than 4,500 baht (USD 100) monthly for the Internet. Many respondents 

had had no idea yet about the monthly expense. 

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