The Office of Trade Policy and Strategy (OTP) conducted a survey in November 2020 on consumer spending behavior regarding online purchases. The findings indicate that online consumption remains stable, with respondents' income levels significantly affecting their purchasing behavior. Those with higher incomes tend to spend more on online shopping each month compared to those with lower incomes.

“The OTP estimates that monthly online spending, based on survey data, amounts to 52 billion baht, or approximately 7.80% of the total private consumption in the country,”

According to the survey of consumer purchasing behavior across the country, covering 7 occupational groups in all districts (884 districts), involving 8,072 participants, it was found that online purchases are similar to those in August. Most respondents (46.14%) reported spending the same amount, while 35.83% spent less, and 18.03% increased their spending. The increase in spending was primarily seen among government officials/state enterprise employees and students.

Consumers prefer to purchase goods and services through modern platforms, such as Lazada and Shopee, accounting for 46.45%. This is followed by modern retail stores (Lotus, Big C, Watsons, Robinson) at 25.32%, and Facebook at 16.44%.

On average, monthly spending on online purchases shows that most consumers spend less than 1,000 baht per month (49.23%), followed by 1,001 to 3,000 baht (37.57%), and more than 3,000 baht (13.20%).

As for the most popular goods and services purchased online, they remain consistent: clothing and footwear (27.46%), food and beverages (21.13%), household products (18.69%), and health and beauty/personal care items (17.71%). The main reasons for online shopping continue to be convenience (33.28%), followed by lower prices (20.30%), and a wide variety of choices (18.94%).

It is noteworthy that online products are increasingly gaining popularity and importance, which may significantly impact inflation. The OTP is aware of this issue and is currently studying the pricing behavior of online goods/services to establish a method for calculating inflation that aligns with the new global context as soon as possible.