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The Trade Competition Commission is seeking public input on draft regulations prohibiting online platforms from tying sellers to their own logistics providers and requiring fair fees for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

According to Lalida Persvivatana, deputy government spokesperson, the Office of the Trade Competition Commission (OTCC) recently opened a public consultation on a draft announcement regulating service fee structures and product delivery arrangements on e-commerce platforms.

The draft aims to ensure that sellers and buyers can freely choose logistics providers. It also proposes prohibiting platforms from lowering product rankings, withdrawing promotional privileges or increasing fees solely because sellers choose to use alternative logistics providers.

Ms Lalida said the office drafted the announcement on the regulation of service fee structures and product delivery arrangements within multi-sided platform ecosystems, specifically digital platform businesses providing services for the trading of goods or services. The consultation period runs from Nov 4 to Dec 3, with the aim of establishing rules that promote fair competition. The draft covers sales commissions, various service fees and conditions governing the selection of logistics providers.

A key provision of the draft would allow sellers and buyers to freely choose logistics providers. Sellers would be permitted to use their own delivery services or third-party logistics providers outside the platform, subject to necessary safety standards and shipment tracking requirements. The draft also proposes prohibiting platforms from making access to the platform or eligibility for sales benefits conditional on the use of their own logistics services, those of affiliated companies or partner providers.

In addition, the draft proposes banning discriminatory treatment of sellers who use alternative logistics providers. Such discrimination could include lowering product rankings, increasing fees, removing certification badges, denying access to promotional programmes or delaying payments to sellers. These practices are a concern because they could directly affect operating costs and the competitiveness of small businesses.

Ms Lalida added that the draft would require platforms to display logistics options transparently, including service fees, delivery times and key conditions, without concealing alternatives or designing systems that make it difficult for buyers to select other logistics providers. Platforms would also be prohibited from setting default options that favour their own logistics businesses or partners. Where a default option is necessary, it must be based on disclosed criteria and let buyers change their selection easily.

Regarding service charges, the draft proposes requiring platforms to clearly disclose all fees, including sales commissions, payment processing fees, advertising fees, promotional fees and delivery or warehousing charges. Fees must be justified and proportionate to the services received by sellers. The draft does not impose a uniform ceiling on commissions or gross profit (GP) fees across all platforms, nor does it imply that fees will be reduced immediately.

“The government believes that fairness in online commerce is not merely a matter of commissions or GP fees. It also encompasses sellers’ rights to choose logistics services and their opportunities to reach customers. Business operators should not have their sales opportunities restricted simply because they choose another logistics provider. At the same time, consumers should have genuine choices and be able to compare prices and delivery times transparently, so that fair competition can be achieved throughout the entire system,” Ms Lalida said.

Thai consumers are significantly more optimistic about artificial intelligence (AI) than their global peers, with 74% seeing more benefits than drawbacks, compared with 55% worldwide. Meanwhile, 80% of employed Thais say AI tools have helped them save time at work, according to France-based research firm Ipsos.

However, growing enthusiasm for AI is accompanied by concerns over privacy, transparency and excessive automation, creating challenges for businesses seeking to capitalise on the technology.

Thai consumers are increasingly seeking greater control over their time, health and wellbeing, technology and purchasing decisions amid uncertainty, according to the Ipsos Global Trends 2026: The Search for Silver Linings – Thailand Edition report.

The research was conducted online between May 22 and June 5 across 38 markets, involving 29,542 respondents worldwide, including 500 Thais aged 20-74.

“We found that 77% of Thais are excited about AI, although 61% also feel nervous about the technology,” said Pimtai Suwannasuk, senior client manager at Ipsos Ltd.

Despite strong enthusiasm, only 35% consider AI chatbots trustworthy, while 47% trust companies using AI to protect their personal information.

Moreover, 85% believe businesses should be required to disclose when AI is used in products and services, while 79% feel customer service is becoming too automated and impersonal.

Digital dependence is also spreading across generations, with 81% of Thais saying they cannot imagine life without the internet, up seven percentage points over two years.

The figure reaches 85% among both Baby Boomers and Gen Z, compared with 78% among Gen X and 80% among millennials.

Beyond technology, 89% of Thai respondents also express greater concern about health and wellbeing than the global average of 81%.

Meanwhile, 85% want greater control over healthcare decisions, compared with the global average of 78%, while mental health and stress rank as the country’s leading health concerns.

An overwhelming 96% believe they need to do more to look after their physical health, an increase of four percentage points year-on-year.

More than half of respondents, or 52%, expect to live to 100, while 73% consider physical and mental health equally important.

The broader findings reveal growing anxiety about economic and social uncertainty, with 85% of Thais believing the world is changing too quickly, up six percentage points over two years.

Despite these concerns, 75% believe enjoying life today is important, while 83% wish they could slow down the pace of their lives, up from 78% in 2025.

Changing attitudes are also reshaping purchasing behaviour. Some 71% prefer brands that reflect their personal values, down eight percentage points over two years, while 61% are willing to pay extra for appealing brand images, down nine percentage points.

Trust in institutions is another concern, with 84% worried that government and public services will provide insufficient support in the future.

Meanwhile, 87% believe businesses have a responsibility to contribute to society beyond generating profits.

The survey found that 72% remain optimistic about their own and their families’ future, compared with 48% who are optimistic about Thailand and 41% about the world.

The ?cabinet has approved import duties of up to 30% for goods purchased via e-commerce platforms, Finance Minister Ekniti ?Nitithanprapas said ?on Tuesday.

The taxes are expected to take effect next year, said Phantong Loykulnanta, director-general of the Customs Department.

He said the revised collection regime would apply to goods entering Thailand through express delivery services and international post.

Duties on purchases made through e-commerce platforms would follow the applicable customs tariff classifications, with rates not exceeding 30%.

The new collection regime does not violate the terms of a free-trade agreement between Asean and China, he said.

The changes would effectively revoke a Customs Department notification that reduced or exempted import tariffs on goods entering Thailand in parcel form via online platforms. The applicable tariff rates would instead revert to the standard rates for each category.

For example, import tariffs on plastic products would increase from 20% to 30%; headphones and microphones from 10% to 30%; women’s handbags from 20% to 30%; fitness equipment from 10% to 30%; clothing would remain at 30%; jewellery from zero to 30%; and sunglasses from 5% to 30%, among other products.

Price competition

Mr Ekniti said the rapid growth in e-commerce had made foreign goods more accessible to Thai consumers and intensified price competition.

As a result, he said, it was harder for Thai businesses to compete, and the government wanted to ensure that all sellers could compete on a level playing field.

It is ?expected that the tax collection would boost Customs Department revenue by 6.3 billion baht in fiscal 2027, more than doubling from the 4.8 billion collected in fiscal 2026 that ended on Sept 30, Mr Phantong

The measure is aimed at supporting Thai small- ?and medium-sized ?businesses, he added.

The government on Jan 1 this year began collecting 7% value-added tax and customs duties on previously exempt imports valued at less than 1,500 baht to help Thai SMEs.

Some other products that were ?exempt from customs duty would be covered by the new taxes, Mr Phantong said.

Level playing field

Thanawat Malabuppha, honorary president of the Thailand E-Commerce Association, told the Bangkok Post that Thailand’s proposed import tariff rates are expected to be comparable to Indonesia’s and could help level the playing field for domestic businesses.

Cross-border products are currently estimated to account for 10-20% of total sales value on Thailand’s e-commerce platforms.

‘Import duties and taxes should be incorporated directly into product prices on e-commerce platforms to simplify tax collection and avoid placing the responsibility for collecting duties and taxes on logistics providers,’ he said.

The Customs Department said it works directly with major e-commerce platforms and express/postal services to automatically collect and manage taxes at checkout or upon arrival.

The government is committed to driving investment in seven target industries under its Reinvent Thailand initiative, aiming to generate an additional 5.4 trillion baht in revenue by 2030.

Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas said the initiative aims to lift Thailand’s GDP growth above 3% by 2030, raise its global competitiveness ranking to the top 20 from 26th currently and increase the investment-to-GDP ratio to 30% from 23%.

Speaking after a meeting with the Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking and representatives of the seven target industries, Mr Ekniti said their development plans would be submitted to a joint government-private sector meeting, chaired by the prime minister, on Dec 2.

Each of the seven industries would be required to propose three Quick Big Win initiatives for its respective sector.

He added that the Reinvent Thailand initiative must ensure that the country achieves stronger and more inclusive economic growth, rather than growth concentrated in certain sectors or areas.

This would involve upgrading the skills of Thai workers and integrating small and medium-sized enterprises into the supply chains of emerging industries, he said.

“Today, the world is looking for new investment destinations that offer security, and Thailand is in the spotlight. We must seize this opportunity,” he said.

Narit Therdsteerasukdi, secretary-general of the Board of Investment, said the agriculture and food processing sector, one of the seven target industries, aims to generate 860 billion baht in additional revenue through higher productivity, premium products, and the development of new industries and high-value products.

The automotive sector targets 640 billion baht in additional revenue by supporting multiple vehicle technologies and increasing the use of locally made components. Production targets are 1.95 million vehicles by 2030 and 2.5 million by 2038.

The smart electronics sector aims to generate 500 billion baht by capitalising on demand for AI and data centres, including encouraging operators to source at least 50% of their components domestically.

Tourism targets an additional 500 billion baht by transforming Thailand into a global living destination, supported by a smart tourism data platform and coordinated international communications.

The health and wellness sector aims to generate 1.1 trillion baht by expanding medical and wellness services into international markets and developing Thai herbal products.

Revenue from foreign patients is targeted at a minimum of 100 billion baht annually.

Retail and trading targets 800 billion baht in cumulative additional revenue by 2030, based on annual sales growth of 200 billion baht. Plans include requiring imported and locally manufactured products to meet Thai Industrial Standards to ensure fair competition.

The creative economy aims to generate 970 billion baht by developing Thailand’s jewellery and content industries, increasing intellectual property value, positioning the country as a global hub for raw gemstones, and promoting Thai brands internationally.

The Khon Kaen Provincial Court has dismissed a royal defamation charge filed against an activist who delivered a three-finger salute during a graduation ceremony at Khon Kaen University.

The incident took place after law graduate Songpol ‘Yajai’ Sonthirak received his degree from Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn at a ceremony on Dec 20, 2022, according to Thai Lawyers for Human Rights.

The Court ruled on Tuesday that although Mr Songpol’s gesture could be seen as anti-monarchy and disrespectful, Princess Sirindhorn is not covered by the royal defamation law.

Section 112 of the Criminal Code covers only the King, the Queen, the heir to the throne and the regent.

The court said that while Princess Sirindhorn was acting on behalf of the King at the ceremony, the King’s representative is not a person protected under Section 112, which requires a strict literal interpretation.

The three-finger salute, from the Hunger Games movies, was adopted by the youth-led protest movement that staged a number of large demonstrations in Thailand between 2020 and 2023.

More than 280 people, including 20 under age 18, have been charged under Section 112 for various acts committed during the protests. Many cases are still pending, while 33 people remain in detention awaiting trial or the outcome of appeals.

The complaint against Mr Songpol was filed by Kamon Kitkasiwat, the leader of a royalist group in Khon Kaen, who was an MP candidate for the royalist Thai Pakdee Party at the time.

Mr Songpol also faced two computer crime charges for giving interviews to two online news outlets about the graduation ceremony incident. Those charges were also dismissed.

The SET-listed tech company SKY ICT and the shipping conglomerate Thoresen Thai Agencies (TTA) are joining forces to secure the intellectual property of the homegrown food delivery app Robinhood in a 100-million-baht deal.

The unexpected joint venture comes at a time when the platform’s multi-billion-baht transition to a consortium led by the 100-year-old trading firm Yip In Tsoi has reached an abrupt standstill.

The deal includes the platform’s software and brand logo, a source close to the deal told the Bangkok Post.

SKY ICT and Thoresen will each hold a 45% stake in the entity, while Siam Commercial Bank (SCB) will hold the remaining 10%.

The SCB board has already approved the deal, which is expected to be signed by the end of November, with operations under the new group beginning in December, the source added.

Purple Ventures, the SCB subsidiary that operates Robinhood, was sold to a group of investors led by Yip In Tsoi Group in September 2024 for 2 billion baht.

The deal comprised an upfront payment of 400 million baht and performance-based payments of up to 1.6 billion baht.

However, Yip In Tsoi in recent months has refrained from actively marketing the platform due to concerns over sustaining its heavy capital burn, according to the source.

The new consortium led by SKY ICT and Thoresen will acquire the core IP and platform software directly from SCB, while keeping the operational platform active without interruption.

Deal differences

Yip In Tsoi initially entered into an agreement to acquire and operate the entire Robinhood delivery platform under the Robinhood brand.

The agreement stipulated that if the platform turned a profit, earnings would be shared with SCB. If its losses reached a critical threshold, the business could be returned to SCB.

Yip In Tsoi’s cumulative spending – including acquisition costs and ongoing platform operating losses – has exceeded 500 million baht.

Due to sustained financial losses, Yip In Tsoi will return all Robinhood operations to SCB.

‘The new consortium projects initial operational losses and has planned a financial runway capable of sustaining losses of up to 1 billion baht during the platform’s initial relaunch phase,’ the source added.

Despite previous operational challenges, Robinhood has maintained continuous delivery operations.

The management of the new consortium has confirmed that it will retain all 82 existing employees to preserve stability, the source added.

The new owners aim to reposition Robinhood as a home-grown Thai ‘super app’ capable of competing directly against multinational delivery giants.

Market competition

To revitalise platform activity, Robinhood is preparing to launch a competitive pricing strategy to address a key concern among merchants in Thailand’s delivery sector.

Foreign-owned delivery platforms currently levy gross profit (GP) fees of approximately 30%, while Robinhood will cap its GP fee at between 5% and 10.5%.

Under the platform’s merchant contracts, vendors accepting the GP rate must guarantee storefront price parity, ensuring online consumers pay the same menu prices as walk-in diners.

While Robinhood has 100,000 registered merchants on its system, the number of active vendors has declined to the tens of thousands.

The consortium plans an immediate ‘quick-win’ campaign following the official announcement to rebuild merchant confidence and restore active listings, the source said.

Break-even goal

The source said the platform is targeting financial break-even within three years.

The consortium has allocated an operational budget of 300 million baht for its first year, to be spent directly on consumer promotional discounts and driver incentives.

The platform is expanding Robinhood Express, its dedicated messenger and document delivery service, to broaden its revenue channels.

Management has also retained the Robinhood brand name.

The source added that the delivery service would bring direct added value to SKY Group’s business roadmap in the near future, including through taxi drones.

SKY Group is studying the technology and plans to launch the service at Phuket Airport in 2027-28, targeting existing demand from foreign tourists.

Losses narrowing

According to the business data provider Creden.co, Purple Ventures’ revenue fell by about 51% to 305 million baht in 2025, from 622 million a year earlier.

Nevertheless, its financial performance improved significantly, with net losses narrowing by 97% to 90 million baht.

Earlier, Yip In Tsoi aimed to make Robinhood break even and achieve profitability by 2026, with ambitions to pursue an initial public offering within 3-4 years.

Robinhood in September introduced a gross profit fee of just 10.5%, with no additional charges, for restaurants participating in its ‘Same Price as In-Store’ campaign. The aim was to attract merchants through lower fees and transparent pricing rather than relying heavily on consumer discounts.

The platform faces fierce competition from dominant players Line Man Wongnai and Grab, which benefit from larger customer bases, established delivery networks and stronger promotional capabilities.

Meanwhile, ShopeeFood has emerged as another challenger, taking advantage of Shopee’s e-commerce customer base and buy now, pay later services to attract price-sensitive consumers.

According to the Singapore-based research firm Momentum Works, Thailand’s food delivery market recorded a gross merchandise value (GMV) of US$5.1 billion in 2025, making it the second-largest market in Southeast Asia.

The market became increasingly concentrated in 2025 following Foodpanda’s withdrawal in May that year, leaving Grab and Line Man controlling a combined market share of close to 90%.

In 2025, Grab maintained its market leadership with a 47% share of GMV, followed by Line Man with 41% and ShopeeFood with 10%, according to Momentum Works.

Airports of Thailand (AoT) has set aside warehouse space for oversized shipments at Suvarnabhumi airport as part of a joint effort with Thai Airways to clear a backlog of imported cargo.

AoT president Paweena Jariyathitipong said that since October, AOT, which runs Suvarnabhumi airport, has been coordinating with Thai Airways (THAI) following Minister of Transport Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn’s concern that the situation could disrupt the country’s logistics network and international trade.

In response, AoT has allocated space at Warehouse 4 (WH-4), within the airport Free Zone, to accommodate oversized cargo. This will improve space management, reduce operational constraints and facilitate the clearance of accumulated shipments.

AoT, THAI, and the Customs Department have also discussed using domestic cargo warehouse facilities for customs clearance of international inbound shipments.

AoT is also working to integrate THAI’s Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology with its AoT Cargo Clearhouse platform.

AOT is closely monitoring THAI’s warehouse operations, including inbound and outbound cargo volumes, as well as the status and volume of accumulated shipments. This will allow AOT to assess the situation continuously and implement corrective measures promptly.

To date, approximately 46,000 cargo collection requests have been submitted through the AOT Cargo Clearhouse platform to drive the regional competitiveness of Thailand’s logistics and its status as a world-class aviation hub, said Ms Paweena.

Authorities seized 349,000 packs of untaxed cigarettes, worth about 31.4 million baht, during a raid on an abandoned house in Tak Bai district, Narathiwat, on Monday.

The joint operation was carried out by provincial police and excise officers at the house in Village 3 of tambon Sala Mai.

The seized cigarettes amounted to 698 cartons and represented more than 21.9 million baht in unpaid excise tax. The estimated fines exceed 328 million baht.

Thai officials are investigating possible links between the latest seizure and another major confiscation of smuggled cigarettes on Aug 7 in a nearby area. Investigators are examining whether the two storage sites were connected to the same smuggling network.

According to the Excise Department, illegal cigarettes remained the most seized excise goods during the first nine months of fiscal 2026.

Citing data from the Excise Department, 29,411 excise-law violations were recorded nationwide between October 2025 and June 2026, resulting in fines totalling 817 million baht. In June alone, authorities made 3,104 arrests, with fines amounting to 73.6 million baht. Tobacco offenses accounted for 1,993 cases, or about 64% of the monthly total.

Illegal cigarettes remained Thailand’s most prevalent excise-related offence. Key surveillance areas included border provinces and major transport routes, particularly in the South.

Thailand’s nomination of ‘Chud Thai’, the traditional national costume, for Unesco’s intangible cultural heritage list will be considered in China later this month, as the Culture Ministry calls on the public to celebrate the attire.

The Department of Cultural Promotion said the nomination will be reviewed at the 21st session of Unesco’s Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage in Xiamen from Nov 30 to Dec 5.

According to the evaluation panel, Chud Thai encompasses knowledge and craftsmanship, including weaving, embroidery and tailoring, sustained by local communities, artisan families, designers and schools.

The department also welcomed the United Nations Postal Administration’s decision to feature Chud Thai on postage stamps to be released on Nov 20.

Throughout this year, the ministry promoted national dress in The Hague, Tokyo and Paris.

In April, HRH Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya lectured on Thai costumes and textiles in The Hague alongside an exhibition, followed by a Tokyo billboard campaign in September linked to ceremonial uniforms for the 2026 Asian Games, and a Paris showcase last month.

The department highlighted the legacy of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother, whose initiatives developed eight styles of royally endorsed costumes for women, while the phraratchathan shirt for men originated from an initiative by King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great.

Culture Minister Sabeeda Thaised urged Thais to wear national dress throughout this month and share photos online ahead of Unesco’s deliberations.

The Transport Ministry has outlined 14 major infrastructure projects worth about 362.6 billion baht in the South, including the 106.8-billion-baht second phase of the southern double-track railway.

Deputy Transport Minister Sanphet Bunyamanee said on Monday the ministry was working to speed up the projects to cut transport costs, improve connectivity and support local economies.

The railway project was approved by the cabinet on Sept 1, allowing the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) to proceed with three sections covering a combined 504 kilometres.

They comprise a 168km section between Chumphon and Surat Thani costing 36.89 billion baht; a 291km section between Surat Thani and Hat Yai Junction costing 61.53 billion baht; and a 45km section between Hat Yai Junction and Padang Besar costing 8.37 billion baht.

The SRT is preparing to open the projects to bidding, with contracts expected to be signed in 2027. Construction is scheduled for completion in 2033.

Other projects in the ministry’s southern infrastructure programme include the Andaman Ring Port development in Phuket, Phangnga and Krabi, the Hat Yai Ring Road, the Phuket Expressway, an expressway linking Koh Samui to the mainland and a mass transit system in Songkhla.

The projects are at different stages, ranging from feasibility studies and approval processes to construction planning, Mr Sanphet said.

Two projects nearing construction are a 4.6-billion-baht bridge across Songkhla Lake linking Songkhla and Phatthalung, and a 1.78-billion-baht bridge connecting the mainland to Koh Lanta in Krabi.

Contracts for both bridges were signed on Aug 31, and the Department of Rural Roads plans to issue notices to proceed on Nov 14. Construction is expected to take about three years, with both bridges due to open in 2029.

The Songkhla Lake bridge is expected to shorten journeys by about 80km, cutting travel times from nearly two hours to 15-30 minutes. The Koh Lanta bridge will reduce reliance on ferries, improve access to the island and make it easier for emergency medical services to reach residents.

Mr Sanphet said the bridges addressed long-standing demands from local communities.

“What people want is not just plans, but roads they can use, bridges they can cross and transport systems that genuinely improve their lives,” he said.