Call for more clarity on digital platform fee rules

Business General Call for more clarity on digital platform fee rules PUBLISHED : 7 Nov 2026 at 01:00 NEWSPAPER SECTION: Business WRITER: Suchit Leesa-nguansuk Listen Small Medium Large Share Facebook Reddit Copy Link The Thai Digital Platform Trade Association (TDPA) is urging the Trade Competition Commission of Thailand (TCCT) to clarify proposed rules on fee structures. The association also wants rules that balance fair competition with innovation, said Jirawat Poomsrikaew, secretary-general and advisor to the TDPA. Unclear wording could complicate compliance and constrain commercial decisions, he said. The TCCT is holding a public hearing of draft regulations governing the trade practices of digital ride-hailing and on-demand delivery platforms from Nov 4 to Dec 3. Several proposals from the regulator have emerged over the past two months, raising questions about their scope, said Mr Jirawat. The association has repeatedly sought discussions with the regulator on the matter, but the TCCT has yet to arrange a meeting, he noted. A central concern is whether "price structure" means components of platform charges, including commissions, advertising and payment processing fees, or just the rates charged. Without a clear definition, operators could struggle to identify which changes require regulatory action, said Mr Jirawat. He also questioned provisions requiring platforms to notify the TCCT about fee changes 90-180 days in advance of the change. The association is seeking clarification on the application of this rule. "Platforms need flexibility to adjust incentives in order to attract drivers to high-demand areas and tailor promotions to market conditions," said Mr Jirawat. Notice of several months could undermine service availability and orders for small merchants, he said. "Oversight should address anti-competitive conduct. Regulators should also consider the platforms' technology investment and operating costs funded by fees when considering imposing new rules," said Mr Jirawat. The TDPA, which represents Grab, Lineman Wongnai, Lazada, Shopee and eBay, is preparing a formal submission of its opinions to the TCCT. Chantsuda Thananitayaudom, country head of Grab Thailand, said the company is seeking formal discussions with the TCCT. Applying a common approach to e-commerce, ride-hailing and food delivery businesses could overlook differences in their business models, she said. The ride-hailing business is supervised by the Department of Land Transport, and ministerial rules introduced in 2021 cap driver commissions at 25% and regulate fares by vehicle size, said Ms Chantsuda, adding that Grab complies with these requirements. For food delivery, Grab has kept its maximum merchant commission at 30% for six years, since the pandemic. A 150-baht order generates a 45-baht commission fee at that rate, helping to fund driver payments and customer discounts, she said. Mandatory fee reductions could force platforms to cut driver compensation or promotions, potentially reducing merchant orders, warned Ms Chantsuda. KEYWORDS Digital platform regulations Tcct Tdpa Ride-hailing platforms Food delivery services Thailand e-commerce Platform commission fees COMMENT