MEB Corporation: A Resilient Thai E-Book Platform Generating Nearly THB 1 Billion in Sales During the Pandemic
MEB Corporation Public Company Limited, Thailand's leading e-book platform, has emerged as a strong performer amidst the economic downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Founded by Mr. Ravivon Mahasith and Mr. Kittipong Lim, MEB achieved nearly THB 1 billion in sales and over THB 100 million in profit in 2020 alone — a testament to its robust business fundamentals and agile adaptation.
Turning Crisis into Opportunity
When the pandemic disrupted the traditional book market, MEB swiftly launched “Book Week at Home,” Thailand’s first large-scale online e-book fair, helping readers access books digitally and supporting publishing partners impacted by lockdowns.
“It wasn’t just luck,” said Mr. Mahasith. “The opportunity was always there. It was up to us to seize it.” MEB’s proactive strategy, from cross-partner promotions to rapid crisis response, proved vital during this period.
Steady Growth from Humble Beginnings
Starting in 2011 with just 50,000 THB in capital and a handful of titles, MEB has grown organically without external fundraising. In 2013, COL Public Company Limited, a member of the Central Group, became MEB’s first and only investor, allowing MEB to retain operational independence.
By 2020, MEB had recorded:
Sales nearing THB 1 billion
Over 2 million active users
Sustainable double-digit quarterly growth
Empowering Authors through readAwrite
Beyond retail, MEB launched readAwrite in 2017 — an online platform where writers can publish serialized works and connect directly with readers. With over 1 million stories and 6 million registered users, readAwrite has become a hub for emerging Gen Z authors to earn income and build loyal fan bases.
“We’re not just a platform — we’re a community,” said Mr. Lim. “Many writers have bought land, supported their families, or paid tuition thanks to e-book income.”
Culture of Openness and No Hierarchy
With about 70 employees, MEB operates with a flat organizational structure, open communication, and an emphasis on solving problems quickly. Founders remain closely involved and believe that transparency and team alignment are key to sustainable success.
Vision for the Future
MEB continues to innovate, expanding its catalog to include comics, and developing tools to ensure age-appropriate content and user privacy. The founders envision a future where physical books and e-books thrive together, urging the industry to stop treating them as rivals.
“We don’t believe in flashy shortcuts,” said Mr. Mahasith. “Strong fundamentals, great service, and consistency — that’s how we’ve come this far.”