The Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (DES) intends to collaborate with relevant agencies to establish a regulatory framework for supervising foreign e-commerce platforms, according to Minister Prasert Jantararuangthong.
He expressed concerns on Wednesday that these platforms are exploiting local infrastructure and the domestic market without contributing any benefits back to the country.
Mr. Prasert, who also serves as a deputy prime minister in the new cabinet, emphasized the necessity for the Commerce, Finance, and Industry ministries, along with the Customs Department, to participate in the evaluation of foreign platforms. He noted that consumers have raised questions regarding the quality of products available on some of these platforms.
The ministry’s initiative is part of its effort to create a comprehensive regulatory framework that will oversee foreign e-commerce platforms and enhance the local e-commerce ecosystem, Mr. Prasert explained.
He stated, “The framework should encompass all aspects, such as industrial standards, pricing, fees, and a taxation system.”
Promoting small and medium enterprises, as well as local e-commerce platforms, remains a key priority for the ministry.
Additionally, he announced that the ministry and the Office of the Consumer Protection Board are working together to implement new regulations for logistics providers and cash-on-delivery (COD) services, which are set to take effect on October 3.
Under the new regulations, parcel delivery companies must retain the funds customers paid for COD orders for five days before transferring the money to merchants. This provision allows customers to request refunds if they decide to return their purchases.
“The new law is designed to bolster the country’s e-commerce sector and reduce fraud on e-commerce platforms,” stated Mr. Prasert.
He also reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to continuing its priority initiatives, particularly in combating online scams, online gambling, and call center fraud.
Furthermore, the ministry aims to uphold its “Cloud First” policy and focus on enhancing the skills of the digital workforce.
Since the Anti-Online Crime Centre commenced operations in November of last year, the financial losses from online scams have decreased from 100 million baht per day last year to approximately 30 million baht daily, according to the minister.
