More young people have hopes of starting their own business, according to a survey, as the country's e-commerce market in 2014 is predicted to grow 30% from last year.
Mathana Santiwat, president of Bangkok University, said on Thursday that the survey was conducted to determine the percentage of students in the university who wanted to become entrepreneurs.
She said 30% of the students wanted to have their own business, up from 10% last year.
Survey: More young preople dream of having their own business. (Photo by Patipat Janthong)
"Young people want to work on many things simultaneously and they want to do things that they can call their own.
"Doing business is easier now, thanks to many supporting factors. You don't need to have an office to own a business because you can run your business online," Mrs Mathana said.
Pawoot Pongvitayapanu, managing director and founder of Tarad.com, Thailand's leading e-commerce website, said he expected a 30% growth in the e-commerce market this year, with a total market value of 740 billion baht.
The internet has become more integral to consumers' lives. Business operators are enjoying sales as people can buy goods using their mobile devices, he said.
"Our company will invest 30 million to 40 million baht in the mobile market this year since over 51% of our revenue comes from mobiles," Mr Pawoot said.
Although the e-market will continue expanding, competition will be more intense because of new players, he said.
Online shoppers usually spend their money on beauty and fashion products, mobile phones, healthy food, watches and ornaments, he said.