LINE Thailand has recently organized the LINE Conference Thailand 2025 (LCT25), announcing significant developments aimed at enhancing services for its extensive user base of 56 million people nationwide. The conference served as the platform to launch several innovative features, including new subscription services set to accommodate the growing needs of Thai users.
A key highlight of the event was the introduction of LINE PREMIUM, which is positioned to serve as a special subscription service for professionals and working individuals. Priced at 169 baht per month, this service is scheduled for launch within the second quarter of 2025. LINE PREMIUM offers features such as the ability to customize app icons and fonts, the option for Multiple Profiles to manage different social circles, and expanded storage of up to 100GB for messages and files, alongside exclusive discounts from LINE SHOPPING and LINE MAN, valued at up to 1,000 baht.
Mr. Narasith Sittiwetchwong, Vice President of LINE Thailand, spoke about the development process of LINE PREMIUM. He indicated, "We work closely with Japan and Korea. Today, we even have teams from the developers present as we prepare to sell what they have produced, carefully observing how Thai users will react to these features." He also noted the distinct differences between user habits in Thailand and Japan, mentioning how the Multiple Profiles feature has been well-received due to cultural variations.
Addressing the concern of existing free services, Narasith asserted, "The features we once offered for free will still remain available as normal. We will have teams continually working to improve these offerings, supported by our advertising revenue model, enabling us to maintain basic services without charge." He did caution, though, about the costs associated with the Backup feature, which would incur charges due to high server requirements.
LINE is targeting approximately 5-10% of its users to subscribe to LINE PREMIUM upon its introduction. Besides this premium service, the company is also preparing for the launch of LINE GIFT, which focuses on social gifting via chat, enabling users to send both digital vouchers and physical gifts without needing the recipient's address. Recipients have the option to adjust product colors and sizes as per their preference, enhancing the personalization aspect. The system also includes Wishlist functionalities to streamline the gift-selection process.
The introduction of LINE GIFT reflects LINE’s strategic emphasis on user convenience, as they plan to gradually introduce affordable products to familiarize consumers, with items like coffee and tea as starters. Larger product offerings are expected later, with significant campaigns aligning with Thailand's Songkran festival.
An additional innovation is LINE HEALTH, which aims to connect users with healthcare services through online consultations. Partnering with Health at Work, LINE HEALTH provides users access to medical professionals and includes digital mental health services offered by ooca. Currently, LINE HEALTH is the first iteration of this service being offered internationally, and it is already operational, boasting strict service level agreements (SLIs) to guarantee timely physician access, ideally maintaining waiting times under ten minutes.
LINE HEALTH is also anticipated to establish Health Shops as part of its development, focusing on health products and supplements to promote overall well-being. The strategy to engage with government entities and private enterprises aims to optimize healthcare resource availability and broaden income opportunities through this innovative approach.
Another major strategy involves enhancing the prominence of intellectual property (IP) within Thailand. This encompasses platforms like IPX (LINE FRIENDS) and LINE WEBTOON, both of which seek to spotlight Thai creativity on global platforms. Mr. Kla remarked, "Thai people are very creative; the aspects of drawing and craftsmanship we possess are comparable at the global level. There is considerable potential for IP from Thailand to achieve international success. For example, where Korea has K-Pop, Thailand has its BL series content." LINE is committed to elevatively supporting Thai creators to develop and present their IP on the global market through these various platforms.
Lastly, LINE is initiating two developer-centric projects aimed at fortifying local developers. The LINE MINIAPP platform will simplify the building of apps within LINE, significantly lowering the barriers for those developing native applications, which often require considerable resources. The LINE MINIAPP Playground offers developers the chance to experiment with this new platform. Meanwhile, the LINE DEVELOPER PARTNER program aspires to uplift the necessary skills and opportunities for Thai developers, nurturing partnerships geared toward opening doors to substantial organizational collaboration.
Collectively, these advancements from LINE Thailand mark the company’s commitment to enhancing user experience, supporting local creators, and fostering innovation within Thailand's digital space. With these strategic plans firmly set, LINE is eager to pave the way for modern communication and societal convenience, ensuring it meets the changing demands of its users as they navigate through 2025 and beyond.