The Electronic Transactions Development Agency (Etda) is conducting a study into efforts to govern the gross profit (GP) fee charged by digital platforms, having been assigned this task by Digital Economy and Society (DES) Minister Chaichanok Chidchob.
Chaichana Mitrpant, executive director of Etda, said the agency would explore two potential methods to oversee the GP fee with the Trade Competition Commission of Thailand.
The first question relates to whether Etda’s electronic transaction committee has the legal authority to set the GP rate. The trade commission also plans to evaluate whether it is empowered to govern the GP rate.
Both agencies plan to work together more closely to establish guidelines to govern the GP fee, he said.
Mr Chaichanok said earlier he wanted to address alleged monopolisation of the online delivery business by foreign e-commerce platforms, with the aim of benefiting consumers.
The DES Ministry also plans to push for digital platforms to adopt a lower GP rate.
Some e-commerce platforms have already expressed their intention to participate in talks on the GP issue, said Mr Chaichanok.
In a related matter, Mr Chaichana said the ministry asked Etda to monitor enforcement of the law governing online ride-hailing platforms, which took effect on Oct 2.
Etda is asking platform operators to review limitations in the law as it seeks ways to help them fully comply with the regulations.
He said the ministry has many bills it plans to push for cabinet consideration, including the draft of the Digital Platform Economy Act. This new law is meant to support social and economic development, as well as increase public confidence in the electronic data system and prevent potential damage to the public.
The draft sets out duties for digital platforms according to their type and size to protect consumers, ensure fair competition and encourage their self-regulation in accordance with the principles of good governance.