While many might think the e-book industry in Thailand is a tough market with limited readership and minimal profitability, MEB Corporation Public Company Limited — one of the first e-book platforms in Thailand, founded with limited capital — has defied expectations by growing steadily and profitably since its inception. The company eventually became a part of the Central Group.

Despite being under a large corporate umbrella today, MEB Corporation PCL continues to operate with the agility of a startup — a lean team, independent management, and an active search for new team members to drive its next stage of growth.

Solving Problems in the Book Industry — The Origin of MEB

MEB (Mobile E-Books) was established in 2011, a time when the Thai book industry was thriving. The company was co-founded by Mr. Kittipong Lim and Mr. Ravivon Mahasith, two engineers who identified inefficiencies in the traditional publishing industry and sought long-term, tech-driven solutions.

Mr. Ravivon, an avid reader with prior experience running his own publishing house, had first-hand knowledge of the industry's challenges — from printing costs and inventory to distribution logistics. At the same time, he was also developing support tools for the industry, such as typo detection software and font management solutions.

The 2011 Turning Point

The 2011 floods in Thailand caused significant damage to physical books and made logistics even more difficult. Meanwhile, the rise of smartphones, particularly the launch of the iPhone 4s and the iPad in 2010–2011, presented a unique opportunity for digital reading to gain traction.

The “Cockroach Startup” Approach

MEB never participated in accelerator programs or raised funding from investors. It also wasn’t a large brick-and-mortar bookstore pivoting to digital. With limited resources, MEB focused on doing what better-funded competitors couldn’t or wouldn’t do — conserving cash, making small but strategic moves, and growing organically.

Mr. Ravivon calls this the “Cockroach Startup” model: finding value in niches overlooked by others, such as supporting independent authors — a group often left behind by the traditional publishing system. MEB became a full-service platform for these writers, and today, even most Thai publishers choose to distribute their e-books through MEB.

The company works as a long-term partner, not just a retailer. It offers problem-solving support, marketing channels, and promotional tools. Authors and publishers, impressed by both the service and revenue-sharing model, continue to stay with MEB.

MEB’s revenue model is based on sharing proceeds from actual sales. There’s no cost for creators to publish their work, making the platform highly accessible. The company has been profitable since year one and has recorded double-digit sales growth every quarter since. Its growth has been entirely organic — with no reliance on “growth hacking.”

In its latest year, MEB reported 500 million baht in sales, with 2.2 million registered users and around 476,000 quarterly active users.

Central Group: The First and Only Investor

In 2013, COL Public Company Limited, parent company of B2S and OfficeMate, became MEB’s first and only investor. This move brought MEB into the Central Group, while still allowing it full independence in day-to-day operations.

From Downstream to Upstream: Launch of readAwrite

After succeeding as a key revenue generator for authors and publishers, MEB launched readAwrite in 2017 — a platform that allows writers to directly publish online content, either for free or behind a paywall. Readers can also support their favorite authors via donations.

readAwrite quickly became a major player in the online fiction market, ranking third behind two long-established competitors. Its revenue model mirrors that of MEB: creators can publish for free and earn revenue through sales sharing.

The Road Ahead: Preparing for IPO

MEB plans to go public within the next 2–3 years. According to Mr. Ravivon Mahasith, the IPO is not an exit strategy but a means to further strengthen and expand the company. All criteria for listing have been met, and the company is waiting for the right timing.

Company Culture & Work Environment

MEB currently employs around 50 people — over half of whom are developers. The average employee age is 25–26, creating a casual and collaborative environment. The organization is flat-structured, and everyone can openly communicate ideas directly with executives.

Work is flexible. Junior team members can lead projects while senior staff take supporting roles. Although working hours are officially 9:30 AM–6:30 PM, there is flexibility as needed.

Employee Benefits

• MEB blends startup perks with large-corporation benefits. Startup-style perks include:
• Free snacks and drinks
• Occasional company meals
• Budget for staff training
• Sports and fitness reimbursements (e.g., football field rentals)
• From its Central Group affiliation, MEB offers:
• Provident fund
• Group insurance
• Health coverage
• Annual physical checkups
• Central Group employee discounts

Office Location

MEB’s office is located on the 8th floor of Software Park, opposite Central Chaengwattana. The area has a low cost of living, affordable housing, and easy access to Central’s amenities.

What Kind of People Is MEB Looking For?

Flexible yet responsible individuals. Fresh graduates are welcome. Employees not only gain experience in programming but also develop a deep understanding of the business itself.

Voices from the Team

Mr. Supornchai Pikungngam – Android Developer
Bachelor’s in Computer Engineering, Prince of Songkla University

"This is my first job, and I appreciate that MEB gives opportunities to new grads. It’s never stressful here — the relaxed atmosphere helps. Everyone's close in age and communicates easily. You need to be a fast learner and a good team player."

Mr. Pannatat Suparatthanodom – Front-End Developer
Bachelor’s in International Computer Engineering, King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi

"I chose MEB because it’s close to home and has that startup challenge. There's no hierarchy. You can directly discuss and decide things with your manager. We even hang out after work. Everyone helps each other, and we focus on solving problems, not blaming."

Mr. Teerach Patanarat – Front-End Developer
Bachelor’s in Computer Science, King Mongkut’s University of Technology North Bangkok

"I joined because a senior recommended the company. It doesn’t feel like coworkers — more like group project friends. No ranks. Just know your IT basics and be able to communicate."

Ms. Juthamas Piyawaranrat – Senior Web Developer
Bachelor’s in Computer Science, Srinakharinwirot University

"I’ve always loved reading, so I already knew MEB. It’s a small, warm company with mentors who guide you. If you’re a newcomer, you’ll learn a lot. If you’re experienced, you’ll get to apply your skills in new ways. The benefits are great too — especially if you live nearby."

source : https://www.blognone.com/node/110591