Deputy Digital Economy Minister Boonthida Somchai says Thailand's revised Postal Act would require parcel couriers to apply for licenses, a proposal that would cover existing firms as well as new operators.
According to Bangkok Biznews and the Bangkok Post, Somchai said existing firms would file applications when the law takes effect. New entrants and delivery subsidiaries would also be covered, and the requirement would not apply to past operations.
Key details remain open. The Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (MDES) said Aug. 13, 2026, that officials were still considering the scope of oversight, registration requirements, a regulatory committee and service rates. Bangkok Biznews reported Oct. 26 that Somchai had not received the revised draft after sending Thailand Post five or six points for revision.
An MDES consultation draft from March 2025 divided regulated postal services into activities requiring licenses and those requiring registration. The ministry's August update still listed registration among the matters under consideration, leaving the revised categories to be confirmed.
MDES says the Postal Act, which dates to 1934, needs updating to reflect changes in technology, communications, commerce, postal business models and competition. The ministry names fair competition and support for Thai operators and the public as policy goals.
Somchai said two or three Thai-owned delivery companies were struggling as e-commerce parcel volumes concentrated on platforms and couriers faced price competition. She also raised concern that platform-linked subsidiaries could route orders to other couriers on terms that favor affiliates. The reports named no platform or courier.
Somchai cited a 51% Thai and 49% foreign ownership split as one possible model, but said it was not a settled rule. She said the framework should set basic standards for operators while preserving competition over price and service. Bangkok Biznews and the Bangkok Post reported that ministry legal review and consultation with stakeholders would come before any possible Cabinet submission.
