Thailand’s competition regulator is seeking public input on proposed fee rules for ride-hailing and delivery platforms, a move that would give affected payers more information about charges and planned increases.
The Bangkok Post reported that the Trade Competition Commission of Thailand (TCCT) has opened a hearing on the draft, which covers passenger rides, food delivery and goods delivery. Platforms would retain control over the rates they charge.
Under the proposal, covered operators would have to disclose how they calculate fees and keep their charges reasonable. A separate requirement would apply to platforms classified as dominant: They would have to notify the TCCT and affected payers before increasing fees. The TCCT has not named any platform that would face that additional requirement.
The commission also reported complaints involving digital platforms. As of Oct. 7, it had received 12 concerning ride-hailing this year, the Bangkok Post reported. Eight remained under review and four had been rejected. The complaints included allegations about service charges, compulsory batching of jobs and required participation in promotions.
Across digital platforms, the TCCT counted 37 complaints this year, including 25 involving e-commerce businesses. Those cases included complaints about fee practices and limits on shipping choices. Of the 25 e-commerce cases, 20 remained under consideration, four had been rejected and one had been dropped.
The commission is also drafting a code of practice for ride-hailing platforms focused on fair trade, TCCT Chair Sudharma Yoonaidharma said, according to the Bangkok Post. The commission plans to introduce the code later this year.
The hearing is scheduled to run from Oct. 21 through Nov. 19, with feedback to be collected by Nov. 23. TCCT Commissioner Warawan Chitaroon said the commission’s legal team aims to complete its review by late November. A final notification is expected around Dec. 4, with publication in the Royal Gazette planned for around Dec. 18.
