In response to Thailand’s growing cashless society, IKEA has announced it will stop accepting cash payments at some of its stores, effective April 21, 2025. Social media users have shared mixed reactions.
The Swedish furniture and home decor brand made the announcement via its official IKEA Thailand Facebook page, stating that starting immediately, three branches — IKEA Bangna, IKEA Bang Yai, and IKEA Chiang Mai — will no longer accept cash payments. Customers at these locations can pay using one of the following four methods:
- QR code
- Credit and debit cards
- IKEA gift cards
- IKEA Family points
While the move appears to align with modern consumer behavior, where most people prefer cashless payments, reactions on social media have been divided. Some users expressed disagreement, arguing that cash should still be available as an option for those who are not comfortable with digital payment methods. Others pointed out that cash should be accepted in cases where online banking systems fail or for people without credit or debit cards.
Currently, IKEA operates five branches in Thailand: IKEA Chiang Mai, IKEA Bangna, IKEA Bang Yai, IKEA Phuket, and IKEA Sukhumvit.
Source: ThaiRath
