Comprehensive FinTech Market Entry & Scaling Solutions
Market Entry & Strategy
Strategic Planning & Market Analysis
Comprehensive Thailand FinTech landscape analysis
Competitive positioning and go-to-market strategy
Business model viability assessment for Thai market
Partnership and ecosystem mapping
Volume threshold analysis (when to build vs. partner)
Typical Engagement: 6-12 weeks
Ideal For: International FinTech/PayTech companies exploring Thailand market entry
Regulatory & Licensing
BOT Licensing & Compliance Navigation
Company incorporation and legal structure optimization
Payment Service Provider (PSP) license application
E-money license facilitation
Payment Gateway authorization
Ongoing regulatory compliance management
AML/KYC framework implementation
Typical Engagement: 4-9 months (licensing timeline dependent)
Ideal For: Companies requiring Bank of Thailand authorization to operate
Infrastructure & Implementation
Technology & Operational Setup
Payment infrastructure architecture design
PromptPay integration and testing
PCI-DSS compliance roadmap
Risk and fraud management system setup
Settlement and reconciliation process design
System integration with Thai banking networks
Typical Engagement: 3-8 months
Ideal For: Licensed entities ready to build operational capabilities
Managed Operations
Outsourced Operations & Executive Support
Fractional C-suite executives (CTO, Compliance, Operations)
Settlement and reconciliation team
Customer support operations
Risk management operations
Technical support and maintenance
Compliance monitoring and reporting
Typical Engagement: Ongoing retainer or project-based
Ideal For: Organizations needing operational excellence without full-time hiring
“Understanding when a 10,000 million baht annual payment volume justifies building your own infrastructure versus partnering—that’s the kind of market intelligence that separates success from expensive mistakes.”
Deep Local Expertise – Global Standards
At SamO, we bridge the gap between global FinTech ambitions and Thailand’s unique regulatory and market landscape.
Our team brings together senior executives from Thailand’s leading financial institutions—National ITMX, SCB, KBank—with international payment network experience across Southeast Asia. We don’t just advise; we’ve built the infrastructure you’re trying to navigate.
Regulatory Intimacy
Direct experience with Bank of Thailand processes and requirements
Operational Depth
From National ITMX’s payment infrastructure to commercial bank implementations
Market Intelligence
Real-time insights into Thailand’s evolving FinTech and PayTech ecosystems
Full-Spectrum Support
The only consultancy offering strategy through execution, including outsourced operations
How long does it take to get a Payment Service Provider (PSP) license from the Bank of Thailand?
Timeline typically ranges from 4-9 months from application submission to approval, depending on business model complexity and application completeness. We manage the entire process and have a 100% approval track record.
What’s the minimum transaction volume needed to justify building our own payment infrastructure in Thailand?
Based on our analysis, organizations should have annual payment volume of at least 10,000-15,000 million THB to justify building proprietary infrastructure. Below this threshold, strategic partnerships or multi-provider optimization typically delivers better ROI. However, this depends on strategic factors beyond pure cost savings—we help you evaluate the complete picture.
Can foreign companies operate payment services in Thailand without a Thai entity?
No. The Bank of Thailand requires a locally incorporated entity with proper licensing to provide payment services. We handle the complete incorporation and licensing process.
What’s the difference between a PSP license, e-money license, and payment gateway authorization?
Each serves different business models:
- PSP License: For payment service providers facilitating merchant acquiring
- E-money License: For issuers of stored-value accounts/wallets
- Payment Gateway Authorization: For entities processing online payments
We help you determine the appropriate license structure based on your business model.
How much does it cost to engage SamO Consulting?
Engagement fees vary based on scope and service mix. Typical ranges:
- Market Entry Strategy: Starting from $25,000
- Regulatory & Licensing: $50,000-$150,000 (depending on license type)
- Full Market Entry (Strategy through Operations): $150,000-$300,000+
- Managed Operations: Retainer-based, starting from $15,000/month
We provide transparent proposals with clear deliverables and timelines.
Do you only work with international companies, or also Thai startups?
We serve both international companies entering Thailand and Thai companies building FinTech/PayTech businesses. Our expertise applies equally to understanding the market from a foreign perspective or optimizing strategies for domestic players.
What’s your relationship with the Bank of Thailand?
We maintain professional relationships with BOT officials through our team’s industry experience, but we are an independent consultancy. Our value comes from deep knowledge of BOT processes, requirements, and expectations—not from special access or influence.
Can you provide outsourced operations indefinitely, or is this transitional?
Both models work. Some clients use our managed operations as a transitional service while building internal teams. Others prefer long-term outsourcing to maintain focus on core business. We’re flexible to your strategic needs.
Why Thailand
Southeast Asia’s FinTech Gateway
Thailand’s digital payment market leads Southeast Asia, driven by over 85% smartphone penetration and a young, tech-savvy population. Government policies like the Thailand 4.0 strategy and a national e-payment plan have spurred adoption of real-time payment systems, with over 70 million users by 2025, enabling instant bank transfers via mobile numbers or ID cards. A booming $24 billion e-commerce sector creates opportunities for mobile apps and QR code payments, integrating seamlessly with services like ride-hailing and messaging to embed digital payments in daily life.
However, the market faces challenges due to a fragmented payment ecosystem, where multiple platforms create integration hurdles for merchants and consumers. Regulatory requirements, including stringent cybersecurity and data protection rules, can slow innovation. While urban areas embrace cashless systems, rural regions lag, with only 60% of small merchants equipped for digital payments, highlighting a digital divide that limits nationwide adoption.
Thailand’s tourism sector, contributing 18% to GDP, demands efficient cross-border payment solutions to serve international visitors. Regional initiatives aim to streamline transactions across Southeast Asia, but navigating diverse regulations remains complex. The thriving fintech ecosystem, with over 200 startups, drives innovation in areas like blockchain and micro-payments, yet scaling these solutions requires addressing infrastructure gaps and building consumer trust in less digitized regions.
Market Size
69.6 million population with 81.6% banked
PromptPay: 54.7M registered users processing 2.56B transactions annually (THB 13.18 trillion)
92.3% mobile phone penetration, 54.1% internet access
Payment Infrastructure
Real-time retail payment system (PromptPay) operating 24/7/365
Thai Standardized QR (EMVCo compliant)
Deferred net settlement through BAHTNET
Low-cost domestic transactions (often <0.3% MDR for high volumes)
Regulatory Environment
Bank of Thailand’s progressive Payment System Act B.E. 2560 (2017)
Clear licensing pathways for PSPs, e-money, and payment aggregators
Cross-border payment framework (PA-CB regulations)
Regional Connectivity
Active cross-border payment initiatives with Singapore (PayNow linkage)
ASEAN QR code interoperability
Strategic hub for regional expansion
Unlock Your Fintech Potential – Start Your Journey
Revolutionize your financial services with cutting-edge fintech and paytech solutions. Our expert consultants are here to guide you through every step, delivering tailored strategies to drive innovation, efficiency, and growth. Take action today and transform your business for the future.