Blog > Marketplace News > The Thai Government Takes Action To Investigate And Resolve Issues Between Multiple E-commerce Platforms And Sellers
The Thai Government Takes Action To Investigate And Resolve Issues Between Multiple E-commerce Platforms And Sellers
Jayson 19 Dec 2023 12:40
According to Visanu Vongsinsirikul, secretary-general of the Trade Competition Commission of Thailand (TCCT), the commission is proactively resolving disputes between e-commerce platforms such as Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok Shop and sellers, aiming to quickly end complaints.
TCCT has adjusted its work processes to be more proactive in resolving disputes between the platform and its sellers, rather than waiting for them to file complaints.
Visanu said it would be better for both parties.
Last month, the committee organized a meeting to resolve issues between the TikTok platform and its sellers regarding platform withdrawal restrictions and shipping costs differences.
After offering free shipping for 18 months, TikTok Shop began charging shipping fees on September 1, 2023, as is standard practice for e-commerce, according to a statement from TikTok.
However, since that date, the platform has discovered multiple cases of miscalculated charges due to inaccurate product weight and size data.
The statement noted that TikTok has taken steps to correct the incorrectly calculated charges for orders placed between September and November 2023, after verifying with its logistics provider.
TikTok Shop said it acted in compliance with all applicable rules and regulations, including instructions from local authorities in Thailand.
In some cases, vendors and creators are unable to withdraw funds from the platform. TikTok said these may involve violations of sales policies, which will suspend transactions for further investigation, after which the company will provide the money to the seller.
Visanu also said that this year the TCCT also investigated complaints of collusive pricing practices at Lazada and Shopee following commission increases.
He said the fee increase was not considered collusive pricing and the charging standards were still acceptable.
Visanu said the commission also looked into some shipping cases, such as some sellers complaining of being forced to use e-commerce platforms' courier services instead of choosing their preferred courier company.
TCCT has adjusted its work processes to be more proactive in resolving disputes between the platform and its sellers, rather than waiting for them to file complaints.
Visanu said it would be better for both parties.
Last month, the committee organized a meeting to resolve issues between the TikTok platform and its sellers regarding platform withdrawal restrictions and shipping costs differences.
After offering free shipping for 18 months, TikTok Shop began charging shipping fees on September 1, 2023, as is standard practice for e-commerce, according to a statement from TikTok.
However, since that date, the platform has discovered multiple cases of miscalculated charges due to inaccurate product weight and size data.
The statement noted that TikTok has taken steps to correct the incorrectly calculated charges for orders placed between September and November 2023, after verifying with its logistics provider.
TikTok Shop said it acted in compliance with all applicable rules and regulations, including instructions from local authorities in Thailand.
In some cases, vendors and creators are unable to withdraw funds from the platform. TikTok said these may involve violations of sales policies, which will suspend transactions for further investigation, after which the company will provide the money to the seller.
Visanu also said that this year the TCCT also investigated complaints of collusive pricing practices at Lazada and Shopee following commission increases.
He said the fee increase was not considered collusive pricing and the charging standards were still acceptable.
Visanu said the commission also looked into some shipping cases, such as some sellers complaining of being forced to use e-commerce platforms' courier services instead of choosing their preferred courier company.
