This has become another painful issue for Thai entrepreneurs selling products on foreign online shopping platforms. Many face high commission fees, sometimes leaving almost no profit. Some even have funds frozen in their seller accounts for rule violations, and despite filing complaints, have yet to recover their money.
/ Naf Chatthanun Thesiriphan is among those who have experienced this. She opened up about her distress as a Thai entrepreneur forced to endure foreign e-commerce platforms for years, reaching a breaking point where she refuses to tolerate it any longer.
"I have been an entrepreneur for many years. I've been on foreign platforms for a long time because recently, I felt I had no other choice. We had to live with it. These platforms not only control customer lists, but data also leaks to call center gangs, leaving us completely unprotected.
So I thought, if there were platforms owned by Thai people and supported by Thai customers, that would be great. The money wouldn't leak out of the country; it would stay within Thailand, boosting our economy.
For example, on foreign platforms, we often get scammed during shipping. Customers receive swapped items, but the entrepreneur must take responsibility. Sometimes the product is different from what the customer ordered, making them wonder why they got something else from the store they bought from.
Lately, I feel I can't handle foreign platforms anymore because they are very strict. Plus, I once had money frozen in my seller account—700,000 baht—and I still haven't gotten it back. It might not sound like much, but it happens repeatedly. Some sellers lose amounts like 100,000 baht.
All because of a rule violation. Even though I filed a complaint, it was denied. They said the bank and financial transactions aren't in Thailand, so to follow up I have to go abroad. This makes it even more unsafe for Thai entrepreneurs.
The driving force must come from Thai people supporting each other. If today you support fellow Thais, don't think negatively that Thai platforms aren't as good as foreign ones. Believe me, we are dedicated and continually improving. It must be a great platform for both buyers and sellers together."
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