Ministry to pressure e-commerce businesses to register legally
THE Commerce Ministry will make online traders register with the Business Development Department in order to prevent unscrupulous businesses ripping off consumers.
The ministry has called for e-commerce traders to register with the department under the Business Act so they will get a legal business licence and protection under the law.
Whichai Phochanakij, deputy director-general of the department, said his agency expected a surge in e-commerce traders as the government pursues a "digital economy" policy, increasing the need for consumer protection in this area.
After doing business for 30 days, enterprises need to register with the department to get an e-commerce licence. If they fail to do so, the department will stringently enforce the law and punish unlicensed traders. The department will also call on the Thai E-Commerce Association, the Thai Webmasters Association and other associations and website own?ers not to allow unlicensed enterprises .
Businesses that have registered legally can be inspected easily and therefore will be trusted by consumers who want to do business with them in cyberspace. Consumers can check them with the department and relevant associations so that they know whether an online trader is trustworthy.
After an e-commerce site registers, it will get a DBD Registered and DBD Verified Certificate.
Enterprises can also use their licence as evidence for financial institutions, and be able to participate in the department's e-commerce support projects.