How To Start Dropshipping In Thailand In 2025
Why start dropshipping
If you dream of a business that bridges the world, you are in the right place.
Dropshipping opens doors to endless possibilities, where your location is irrelevant – whether you’re on a serene island or in a bustling city.
Here, you can build a thriving enterprise that serves a global audience without the burden of inventory or manufacturing.
All you need is a stable internet connection and a spark of ambition.
From this spot, your path to creating a profitable, impactful business begins.
Welcome to a world where your vision can blossom, unbound by traditional constraints. Keep reading to learn more.
How dropshipping works
Why start dropshipping in Thailand
Thailand, often lauded for its vibrant culture and idyllic beaches, is increasingly being recognized as a fertile ground for entrepreneurs, particularly those interested in launching a dropshipping business. The country’s strategic location and burgeoning ecommerce market make it an attractive destination for nomadpreneurs looking to blend travel with business. According to recent data, the ecommerce sector in Thailand has seen a significant uptick, driven by a growing middle class and increased internet penetration.
What makes a dropshipping business appealing is the supportive ecosystem of the country. The Thai government has implemented various initiatives to foster entrepreneurship, offering resources and incentives that can significantly lower the barriers to entry for new businesses. Additionally, the cost of living in Thailand is relatively low compared to many Western countries, allowing entrepreneurs to operate on a lean budget while enjoying a high quality of life. This cost efficiency extends to business operations, with affordable office spaces and a wide range of digital tools and services available.
What’s more, Thailand’s logistics infrastructure is well-developed, with reliable shipping services and a network of suppliers that can cater to a variety of product categories. This makes it easier for dropshippers to manage their supply chains efficiently, ensuring timely deliveries and a seamless customer experience. The country’s strategic location also facilitates easy access to markets in Southeast Asia and beyond, providing a broader customer base and potential for international expansion.
To sum up, the combination of a thriving ecommerce market, supportive business environment, and robust logistics infrastructure makes Thailand an ideal location for entrepreneurs looking to start a dropshipping business. Whether you are drawn to the country’s cultural richness or its business opportunities, Thailand offers a unique blend of advantages that can help you build a successful and fulfilling venture.
Advantages and disadvantages of dropshipping in Thailand
Advantages of dropshipping in Thailand
1. Low overhead costs
One of the most significant advantages of starting a dropshipping business in Thailand is the low overhead costs. The cost of living in Thailand is relatively low compared to many Western countries, which can significantly reduce the financial burden of starting and running a business. This cost efficiency extends to business operations, with affordable office spaces and a wide range of digital tools and services available. Additionally, the absence of the need for physical inventory storage further reduces operational costs, making it an attractive option for entrepreneurs looking to start with minimal investment.
2. Easy to start
Starting a dropshipping business in Thailand is relatively straightforward. The process is simplified by the availability of digital tools and platforms that facilitate the setup and management of online stores. The ease of setting up an online business, combined with the supportive business environment, makes Thailand an ideal location for entrepreneurs looking to launch their dropshipping ventures quickly and efficiently.
3. Flexibility in product sourcing
Thailand offers a wide range of product sourcing options, making it easier for dropshippers to find and offer a diverse array of products. The country’s strategic location in Southeast Asia provides access to a variety of suppliers and manufacturers, both locally and internationally. This flexibility in product sourcing allows dropshippers to cater to different customer preferences and market demands. Additionally, the well-developed logistics infrastructure in Thailand ensures that products can be sourced and delivered efficiently, enhancing the overall customer experience.
4. Growing ecommerce market
The ecommerce market in Thailand is experiencing significant growth, driven by a growing middle class and increased internet penetration. This presents a vast and expanding consumer base for dropshippers to tap into. According to recent data, the ecommerce sector in Thailand has seen a substantial uptick, making it an attractive market for entrepreneurs looking to capitalize on the rising demand for online shopping. The supportive government initiatives and the development of digital infrastructure further enhance the prospects for success in this market.
5. Digital payment adoption
Thailand has witnessed a rapid adoption of digital payment methods, which is favorable for ecommerce. Dropshippers can benefit from various online payment gateways and mobile payment options, making transactions convenient and secure for customers.
6. Efficient delivery networks
Thailand has well-established delivery networks, ensuring timely product delivery. Efficient logistics and last-mile delivery services contribute to a positive customer experience, which is crucial for the success of any ecommerce business.
7. Supportive government initiatives
The Thai government has been supportive of the ecommerce industry, implementing initiatives to enhance digital infrastructure and promote online businesses. These initiatives provide a favorable environment for dropshipping entrepreneurs to thrive and contribute to the country’s digital economy.
Disadvantages of dropshipping in Thailand
1. Limited control over delivery timeline
One of the major drawbacks of dropshipping in Thailand is the limited control over the delivery timeline. Dropshippers often have to import products from international suppliers, which can result in long shipping times. This lack of control over delivery can lead to customer frustration and negative experiences, potentially impacting customer satisfaction and business reputation. What’s more, the long shipping times can increase the overall cost of products due to higher shipping fees, which can affect profit margins.
2. Legal and regulatory hurdles
Starting and operating a dropshipping business in Thailand can come with legal and regulatory hurdles, particularly for foreigners. While the process is manageable, it requires a thorough understanding of the local laws and regulations. Foreigners may need to navigate complex legal requirements, such as obtaining the necessary permits and licenses, and understanding tax obligations. The need for local partners or agents can add another layer of complexity to the business setup process as well.
3. Competition and market saturation
The growing popularity of dropshipping in Thailand has led to increased competition in the market. As more entrepreneurs recognize the potential of the ecommerce sector, the market becomes more saturated, making it harder for new businesses to stand out. This increased competition can make it challenging to attract and retain customers, and may require significant marketing efforts and innovative strategies to succeed. The saturation of the market can lead to price wars, further compressing profit margins.
4. Cultural and language barriers
Operating a business in a foreign country can present cultural and language barriers. While many Thais are fluent in English, especially in urban areas, there can still be communication challenges that can affect business operations. Understanding the local culture and business practices is essential for building strong relationships with suppliers and customers. These barriers can make it more difficult to navigate the business environment and may require additional effort and resources to overcome.
While some may argue that dropshipping has its challenges, the ability to start a business with minimal upfront investment and the flexibility to operate from anywhere makes it a compelling choice for aspiring entrepreneurs ready to embrace the digital marketplace.
What to dropship?
How much can you make with dropshipping?
How far you can go with dropshipping: real-life experience
FAQ
Is dropshipping legal in Thailand?
Yes! When you are dropshipping, you are not ‘fooling’ anyone, and you are not breaking any laws. You are simply helping other people receive the items they want - and enjoy the perfect customer service you provide.
However, pay attention to your choice of products. It is illegal to sell branded, copyrighted items, or things like weapons (even their sports or hunting models), knives, smoking mixtures, etc.
How much money do I need to start?
At least $150 is necessary - let’s do the maths.
If you have some technical skills and can assemble and set up a website yourself, you will need around $150.
First of all, you will need to buy a domain name (a good one costs about $10-15, and you will need to pay this fee every year to prolong your registration).
After that, you need a hosting: a server that makes your store info visible to the Internet user. You can use the basic hosting service from AliDropship (‘Silver Plan’) and only pay $69 per year.
Then, you will need to install WordPress, which is absolutely free, and buy AliDropship plugin, which costs $89. It should be enough: WordPress + AliDropship make a proper basis to create a fully functional dropshipping store.
If you don’t have these technical skills, you can order a ready-made store based on the AliDropship plugin. It will be made for you personally by an expert team: the specialists will even add the first products to your store. So, technically, it will be ready to sell items from day 1. The basic ready-made dropshipping store costs $299; together with the annual domain fee, you will have to pay $310-315 to launch your business.
How to choose the store niche?
First, it should be something that you really like - or, at least, know deeply. You will be picking products, making advertisements, and advising customers, so you absolutely need to be a pro in this.
Also, this niche should be popular with buyers and easy to promote online. Here is a complete niche selection guide that will help you!
What country to target?
Living in Thailand, you are not limited to your local market. You can serve customers all over the globe, even in the countries of Europe and North America. Remember your store niche and think who might be interested in these products. Where do these people live, most likely? That’s your target region!
Where to find the products?
AliDropship plugin lets you easily import products on your dropshipping website. Basically, it transfers the products’ titles, descriptions and images in a single click. So, all you need to do is browse and find good quality products from reputable sellers.
Alternatively, you can use a database of over 50,000 selected products which are guaranteed to be in high demand. This database is available within AliDropship plugin: you can see it when you go to the Import section of your AliDropship-based store. The best part is that all the products’ titles and descriptions are already edited there, so you won’t spend your own time doing this yourself.
If I sell products, how can I compete with itself?
AliExpress is a large shopping platform where sellers offer everything at once. At the same time, your niche dropshipping store is focused on a specific range of products. Surely, you are more client-oriented than a large-scale store, and this is why buyers will choose you over.
Will my buyers know they are actually buying items?
It’s not likely. Even if they see Chinese names/addresses/characters on the wrapping paper, it won’t tell them anything. Lots of warehouses and manufacturing facilities of the largest global companies are situated in China, so there is nothing strange if a buyer receives a package of the Chinese origin.
Also, you can write your suppliers directly and ask them not to put any promotional materials into the package. Sellers are always glad to partner with dropshipping store owners because this partnership is profitable, so they will be happy to help you.
Will my buyers agree to a long delivery?
Long delivery itself isn’t a problem. Your customers are not buying life critical items from you, so they don’t mind waiting - especially, if you offer them an appealing price and a low-cost shipping.
Besides, you can choose the ePacket delivery method which cuts up the delivery time significantly. With ePacket, it will take the packages 7-15 days to arrive.
What if a buyer asks me for a refund?
Refunds are the responsibility of the original suppliers. Usually, they refund low-cost purchases really quickly, so there is nothing for you to worry about.
How to promote the store?
To make profit from your store, you first of all need to attract traffic to it. There are lots of ways to promote your store online for free, so pick the ones you personally like. Also, read the free marketing tips for dropshipping business: an experienced team brings them to you every week!
Will WordPress or AliDropship limit my activity and charge business fees?
No. The only recurring fee is the domain fee - you will have to pay for it every year, otherwise, your site won’t be visible on the Internet.
WordPress is completely free, and all the AliDropship solutions only require a one-time payment. Whatever AliDropship tool or service you get, you remain a full owner of your business. There are no limits on the amount of orders you can accept, or the volume of profit you make, or the quantity and the content of the products you import, etc. You are your own boss!
Free Dropshipping Guide
