The government is advancing regulations to control e-commerce platforms by proposing to allow sellers and buyers to freely choose their shipping providers. It prohibits penalizing sellers who use other couriers by lowering product rankings or revoking promotional rights. Public consultation is open until 3 December 2026 GMT+7.
On 9 November 2026 GMT+7, Ms. Lalida Pertwivatana, Deputy Spokesperson of the Office of the Prime Minister, revealed that the government prioritizes fairness in online commerce, especially by reducing costs and increasing competition opportunities for small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Recently, the Office of the Trade Competition Commission (OTCC) opened public consultation on a draft announcement regulating service fees and product delivery on e-commerce platforms. The draft primarily aims to allow sellers and buyers to fairly select shipping service providers and proposes banning platforms from lowering product display rankings, denying promotional privileges, or charging extra fees solely because sellers use other shipping services.
Ms. Lalida stated that the OTCC is soliciting feedback on the draft announcement regarding the regulation of service fees and product delivery structures within multi-sided platform ecosystems, specifically for digital platforms trading goods or services. The consultation period runs from 4 November to 3 December 2026 GMT+7 to establish rules that promote fair competition, covering sales fees, various service charges, and conditions for selecting shipping services.
The draft announcement’s key point is to grant sellers and buyers freedom in choosing shipping service providers. Sellers can use their own couriers or external providers outside the platform, provided safety standards and necessary shipment tracking are met. It also proposes prohibiting platforms from forcing sellers to use their own, affiliated, or partner shipping services as a condition for accessing the platform or sales privileges.
Additionally, the draft prohibits discrimination against sellers who use other shipping providers, including lowering product display rankings, increasing fees, removing certification marks, denying participation in promotional programs, or delaying payments to sellers. This issue is critical as it directly affects costs and competitive opportunities for small businesses.
Ms. Lalida added that the draft also requires platforms to transparently present shipping service options, including fees, delivery times, and key conditions, without hiding choices or designing systems that make it difficult for buyers to select alternative shipping services. Furthermore, if a default shipping option is necessary, it must be based on disclosed criteria and allow buyers to change it easily. The draft forbids default selections that favor the platform’s own or partner shipping businesses.
Regarding fees, the draft requires platforms to clearly disclose all charges, including sales fees, payment processing fees, advertising, promotional costs, and shipping or warehousing service fees. Charges must be justified and related to the services sellers receive. However, this does not set a uniform commission or gross profit ceiling across all platforms, nor does it imply immediate fee reductions.
“The government views fairness in online commerce as encompassing not just commissions or gross profit but also the right to choose shipping services and access to customers. Sellers should not be restricted in sales opportunities simply because they select other shipping providers. At the same time, consumers should have real choices and be able to transparently compare prices and delivery times to ensure fair competition throughout the system,” Ms. Lalida said.
Ms. Lalida emphasized that these provisions are currently in the public consultation phase and are not yet laws or binding announcements. Oversight will follow the scope and criteria set forth in the final announcement. Therefore, it should not be assumed that all platforms are immediately obligated to comply with the draft proposals.
“We invite online sellers, shipping service providers, and e-commerce platform users to submit their feedback on the draft announcement through the Office of the Trade Competition Commission by 3 December 2026 GMT+7. This will help ensure future regulations address real issues, reduce trade exploitation, and create an open, transparent, and fair online commerce system for all parties,” Ms. Lalida concluded.