JD Central, JD.com Inc.'s e-commerce joint venture in Thailand with family-owned conglomerate Central Group of Cos., plans to open an unmanned store in Bangkok in 2019, the Bangkok Post reported Sept. 28, citing JD Central CEO Vincent Yang.

Yang revealed the plan following the launch of JD Central on the same day, the report said, adding that the JV aims to become an online retail market leader in Thailand by 2020.

The company reportedly is considering using facial recognition technology for customer transactions in the planned store concept.

JD Central also said it intends to increase the number of its warehouses in Bangkok to five from the current two facilities, according to the newspaper.

In addition, the venture also plans to employ robots and autonomous delivery vehicles, which would require approval, the report said, citing Yang.

The Bangkok Post added that JD Central may be able to offer same-day delivery of orders for customers in Bangkok and surrounding areas with its automation plans, from its current next-day delivery service.