New Digital Economy and Society (DES) Minister Chaichanok Chidchob is to address the alleged monopolisation of the online delivery business by some foreign e-commerce platforms, with the aim of benefiting consumers.
The ministry also plans to push for a lower growth profit margin (GP) rate among the platforms involved in this sector.
Some e-commerce platforms have already expressed their intention to participate in talks on the GP issue, according to Mr Chaichanok.
He added that the target is part of the ministry’s quick-win policy to solve problems and drive economic growth through closer collaboration among public and private sectors.
Mr Chaichanok said the amended Postal Act, which is in the draft stage at present, is in the process of being implemented with the goal of raising the standard of postal and parcel services to keep up with the digital era, as well as support rapidly changing market competition.
The enforcement of the amended version of the law is expected to boost healthy competition and create proper regulatory supervision.
Mr Chaichanok said he would closely monitor the bill’s development in order to help finalise the details.
He also on Monday outlined the ministry’s urgent missions and policies to address four ongoing problems and potential threats via public-private partnership and through the use of a transparent and accountable approach.
They are: natural and environmental disasters, security threats, economic problems, and social threats.
When it comes to natural disasters, state agencies are requested to integrate the use of meteorological data and related technologies with those of other state agencies and private agencies, both in Thailand and overseas, to design plans for natural disaster responses that are more accurate and precise.
This includes using meteorological and satellite data to plan accurate disaster warnings.
Furthermore, the ministry aims to promote communications to provide disaster warnings to the public at all levels.
In term of security threats, it is to expedite the promotion of digital literacy to the public.
“We should prioritise raising awareness of cybercrime, and integrate with other state agencies to fully utilise the technology and data available within the ministry,” Mr Chaichanok added.
He said that the ministry will urge agencies to develop guidelines for the use of technology to enhance security along the Thai-Cambodian border and reduce tension, and prevent loss of life and property among soldiers and civilians. It will also join with the private sector to support relevant technology to the areas, such as drones.
In terms of economic threats due to the global economic situation which may have unpredictable and quantifiable economic impacts on Thailand, he said that the ministry’s agencies must take the lead in promoting and supporting digital entrepreneurs.
The ministry is ready to support the solutions to address the monopolistic power of major digital platforms. This would be achieved by its collaboration with relevant agencies to consider the establishment of regulatory measures ensuring fair competition and creating a balance between platform operators and the public as well as prioritising safety standards.
With regard to the social threats, this would involve supporting equal access to basic technology, including artificial intelligence (AI), data, and AI literacy.
The ministry will also upgrade the measures concerning the suppression of call centres and online scams, aiming to reduce losses to individuals and the economic system.