Brief: Spotify now officially streams in Thailand

Photo credit: Downloadsource.fr.

The news:

• Digital music streaming service Spotify announced in Bangkok today that it is now available for music lovers across Thailand. Users can listen for free or upgrade to Spotify Premium for US$3.88 per month.
• Thailand is the eighth country on Spotify’s Asia expansion list after Japan, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Singapore. The streaming service is now available to users in 61 countries.

Why it matters:

• Spotify appears to be aiming for domination of the digital music streaming market in Asia. Vietnam and India are rumored to be the next in line.
• It faces competition in the region from other global players such as Deezer, as well as local startups like Ohdio.
• In February, TechCrunch reported Spotify’s difficult financial position and the company’s plan to improve its business model ahead of going public. At the time, Spotify was considering an IPO during 2018.

Converted from Thai baht. Rate: US$1 = THB 33.24.