Google Play Expands Local Payments in SEA with KBank and Ant International’s Antom

Google Play has partnered with Ant International’s Antom and Thailand’s KASIKORNBANK (KBank) to launch K PLUS as a new local payment method, marking the first time a Southeast Asian mobile banking app has been made available as a payment option on the platform.

With this launch, 14 million K PLUS users on Android devices can now pay for both global and local apps, games, and other digital content on Google Play using their everyday banking app.

A Milestone for SEA’s Digital Payment Integration

The rollout represents two key firsts for the region:

1. K PLUS becomes the first SEA mobile banking app on Google Play, enabling convenient local payment experiences for Thai users.
   
2. Antom enables recurring payment capabilities on a banking app to support global enterprise merchants for the first time, building on its experience with digital wallets.

“With this launch, we hope Thai consumers can purchase games, apps, entertainment and digital content more easily through safe, fast, and seamless transactions,” said Zulfi Rahardian, Head of Google Play Retail & Payments Activation, Southeast Asia.

Dr. Ketchayong Skowratananont, Executive Vice President of KBank, said the collaboration reflects the bank’s commitment to advancing Thailand’s digital payment ecosystem:

“We are proud to be the first bank in Thailand and SEA to enable mobile banking payments on Google Play. This collaboration with Google Play and Antom expands payment choices for Google Play users in Thailand, allowing them to pay directly for apps and digital content by linking their account with K PLUS.”

Strengthening Antom and Google Play’s Partnership in APAC

The launch comes as Asia Pacific leads the world in digital payment adoption, accounting for nearly two-thirds of global digital wallet spend in 2024, according to a Deloitte report.

Since 2022, Antom has played a pivotal role in helping Google Play enable local payment options such as DANA, GCash, and Touch ’n Go eWallet, boosting both transaction volumes and user acquisition.

“We’re excited to expand our collaboration with Google Play by introducing K PLUS as a new payment option,” said Gary Liu, General Manager of Antom, Ant International.

“With AI-powered solutions, we aim to make digital payments easier and more secure while helping merchants scale more efficiently.”

Antom’s Global Merchant Support

Beyond this integration, Antom supports merchants with a comprehensive global acquiring network, offering:

• Integration of 300+ payment methods in 100+ currencies
  
• AI-driven solutions for payment orchestration and risk management
  
• Digital marketing tools to boost engagement and conversions
  

By adding K PLUS to Google Play’s ecosystem, Antom continues its mission to bridge global merchants with local consumers while advancing digital inclusion across Southeast Asia.

Image credits: Ant Group