Krung Thai Research indicates that this year’s e-sports is 30,000 million baht, the next 5 years will exceed 100 billion baht.
Mr. Phacharaphot Nuntramas, Executive Vice President and Chief Economist, Krung Thai Bank revealed that e-sports or electronic sports It is one of the world’s most popular rising stars. and is more accepted in Thai society This is reflected from the announcement of the Royal Gazette to make esports a professional sport in September 2021, or the fact that esports is included as one of the sports used in the SEA Games and the Asian Games. The Thai national team can win the gold medal in the ROV game in the SEA Games in May 2022.
The e-sports market has many supporting factors and there are many opportunities for growth. With growth in player and audience numbers, it is expected in the next five years to reach 18.7 million and 10.7 million, and receive government support through tax incentives. In addition, the education sector supports the increase of skilled workforce through the introduction of more new e-sports-related courses. Thus, it is estimated that the e-sports market value will grow from 37.6 billion baht in 2022 to 108 billion baht in 2027, or regarding 3 times the current value.
Mr. Kanit Amsakul, Analyst, Krungthai COMPASS Research Center Said that the growth of the e-sports market will not only benefit businesses in the same field. but traditional business Esports can be used as a tool to promote business growth as well. Especially in the tourism sector, where case studies have started both abroad and in Thailand, for example, hosting The R6 Raleigh Major in Raleigh, USA, is an example that suggests that esports can help boost tourism. From the competition, there were 2,600 spectators per day, 70% of which were spectators from different states. or abroad As a result, urban businesses such as hotels, restaurants and security businesses had to hire more than 1,000 jobs, generating $1.45 million in cash flow.
“For Thailand with the Thailand Esports Championship 2022 last September in Hat Yai, Songkhla, there were 20,000 athletes and tourists arriving and able to generate revolving money for the hotel business and 60-70 million baht in restaurants, which is a double effect on the economy compared to the 30 million baht investment in the event,” said Mr. Kanit.