JD Central is leaving Thailand, and its little dog too

Photo: JD Central
Photo: JD Central

The digital retail realm will be a little less crowded when one online shopping marketplace shuts down in four weeks

JD Central, a venture between China’s JD.com and Thai megaretailer Central Group, announced today that it will cease operations on March 3 and wind down services thereafter.

“We would like to inform you that JD CENTRAL will discontinue its operations in Thailand, effective on 3 March, 2023,” read a company statement. “JD CENTRAL highly appreciates our customers, sellers, partners, and employees for all the kind and continuous support.”

The site will stop taking orders Feb. 15. Orders made through other sellers on its platform, as well JD Point redemptions and use of discount coupons will continue until March 3.

Customer services will be discontinued March 31.

The main reason for its withdrawal are heavy losses under withering competition from other foreign-owned rivals, according to Bangkok Biz News.

JD Central slid from the top three to rank eighth in the Thai market, which is dominated by Shopee and Lazada. 

Shopee is owned by a Singaporean company that until last year was supported by a large investment from Chinese internet giant Tencent. Lazada is also based in Singapore but is a subsidiary of Chinese billionaire Jack Ma’s Alibaba Group.

JD is also pulling out of its Indonesian marketplace JD.id. Its Chinese parent company says it is refocusing its logistics back home after facing fierce competition. Central will continue to operate its own platform, Central.co.th.

In 2020, Thailand’s No. 3 online marketplace, Kaidee.com, was purchased by Dubai-based EMPG.



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