Retail in Asia

In Trends

Branded smartphones lose their lustre in Thailand

Thailand’s branded-smartphone market has slowed to single-digit growth for the first time in four years due to unfavourable economic conditions and a saturated market, says Thai Samsung Electronics Co.

House-brand handsets have also eaten into branded smartphones’ market share.

"Local smartphone sales are expected to grow in single digits to 18-20 million units this year," said Wichai Pornpratang, corporate vice-president for IT and mobile communications. However, he said the arrival of fourth-generation (4G) wireless broadband service would help the market to rebound as consumers replaced their phones.

(Source: Bangkok Post)