E-commerce via smartphones increases, including car insurance

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E-commerce via smartphones increases, including car insurance [/size]

Bangkok - Statistics released by Thailand’s information technology professional organization, the Association of Thai ICT Industry (ATCI), revealed that smartphone penetration in Thailand is now more than 25 percent, and expects the rapid expansion to continue.

Smartphone sales in Thailand grew 33 percent in the first quarter of this year, and 63 percent of the total mobile handset market came from smartphones during this period, with basic feature phones accounting for the rest.

PayPal estimates e-commerce usage in Thailand at almost 15 billion baht in 2013, while OurMobilePlanet says that 51 percent of Thai smartphone users have used their devices to purchase goods.

A new addition to the e-commerce trend is the availability of car insurance through mobile devices. DirectAsia.com Thailand recently launched mobile car insurance quotes and real time purchasing through its secure mobile website.



Designed for smartphones, the mobile website lets 13 million Thai car owners check car premiums and buy insurance on the go. They can also tap-to-call the company’s customer care team from the mobile website, something the company says is proving very popular.

“Checking car premiums anywhere by smartphone only take a few minutes and it’s a convenience customers really like. Most smartphone users want to talk to someone to verify the quote and it’s easy to just tap to call,” says Michael Parker, chief executive DirectAsia.com Thailand.


“Consumers are very connected and are sophisticated in their smartphone habits. If we can provide quick quotes anywhere, anytime and personal service at just a tap, we are engaging with consumers on their terms,” he says.



Car insurance information, quotes and buying are available through smartphone at www.directasia.co.th in both Thai and English. Secure payments can be made by credit card, or at Counter Service locations like 7-Eleven, by providing details sent by DirectAsia.com to your smartphone.