OpenAI Expands ChatGPT Go to 16 New Asian Countries
OpenAI has significantly broadened the availability of its affordable ChatGPT Go subscription plan, rolling it out to 16 additional countries across Asia. This tier, priced at under $5, now serves users in Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, East Timor, and Vietnam. In key markets such as Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines, and Pakistan, OpenAI enables payments in local currencies to improve accessibility. Elsewhere, the subscription is billed in US dollars at approximately $5, with final prices subject to local taxes.Features and Benefits of ChatGPT Go
Subscribers to ChatGPT Go receive enhanced daily limits for messages, image generation, and file uploads, along with twice the memory capacity of the free tier. This increased memory capacity allows for more personalized and contextually aware AI responses.Surging User Adoption in Southeast Asia
OpenAI’s expansion follows a reported surge in weekly active users in Southeast Asia, with growth reaching up to fourfold in recent months. The ChatGPT Go plan initially launched in India in August 2025, followed by Indonesia in September. Since launch, paid subscribers in India have doubled, signaling strong demand for affordable AI services.Competition with Google’s AI Subscription Plans
OpenAI faces increasing competition from Google, which launched its Google AI Plus subscription in Indonesia in September and has since expanded to over 40 countries. Google AI Plus offers access to Gemini 2.5 Pro, its most advanced AI model, along with creative tools for image and video production, and 200GB of cloud storage. OpenAI’s ChatGPT Go is positioned as a cost-effective alternative in emerging markets where affordability and localization are critical to user acquisition.Strategic Importance Amid OpenAI’s Growth and Investments
At the 2025 DevDay conference, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman announced ChatGPT’s global weekly active user base has reached 800 million, up from 700 million two months prior. The company also introduced an app ecosystem within ChatGPT, transforming the chatbot into a platform supporting partner applications like Spotify, DoorDash, and Uber.“The evolution we’re trying to make over the next few years is one where ChatGPT itself is more like an operating system where you can come and use applications,” said Nick Turley, head of ChatGPT. “If you want to write, there’s an app for that. If you want to code, there’s an app for that. If you want to interact with goods and services, there are applications for you.” Despite its rapid growth and a valuation near $500 billion, OpenAI reported a $7.8 billion operating loss in the first half of 2025, driven by heavy investment in AI infrastructure. Subscription plans like ChatGPT Go are critical to expanding the user base while moving toward profitability.FinOracleAI — Market View
OpenAI’s strategic expansion of its affordable ChatGPT Go plan into 16 Asian countries underscores its commitment to capturing high-growth markets. By enabling local currency payments in select countries and offering enhanced features at a low price point, OpenAI is well-positioned to increase paid user adoption and compete effectively against Google’s AI subscription offerings.- Opportunities: Rapid user base growth in emerging Asian markets, increased ARPU through subscription tiers, and platform ecosystem expansion boosting user engagement.
- Risks: Intensifying competition from Google and other AI providers, ongoing high infrastructure costs impacting profitability, and potential regulatory challenges in diverse Asian markets.
Impact: Positive – The expansion enhances OpenAI’s market penetration and recurring revenue streams, supporting its long-term growth trajectory despite near-term financial losses.
