Lawyer Ananchai Pursues Trade Commission Case Against Major Platform for Ignoring E-Commerce Rules, Enforcing Mandatory Shipping and Monopolistic Practices
Lawyer Ananchai filed a complaint with Thailand's Trade Competition Commission against e-commerce platforms for forcing sellers to use only platform-designated shipping services, blocking merchant choice and competing logistics providers fr
On April 28, 2025, lawyer Ananchai Chaidet filed a formal complaint with the Office of the Trade Competition Commission (OTCC) against major e-commerce platforms for enforced shipping selection practices deeply embedded in their systems. Many sellers report being unable to choose their own shipping providers and must use only platform-designated services, even when costs are higher, delivery is slower, or service quality is poor. The impact extends beyond merchants to consumers, who lose the right to select the best available services, while competing logistics providers are blocked from market entry. Despite the OTCC issuing clear control directives—particularly Section 3 prohibiting exclusionary, coercive, or restrictive practices leading to monopolies or reduced competition, and Section 4(2)(ข)1) explicitly classifying mandatory shipping services or non-adjustable default settings as prohibited behavior—platforms continue to operate unchanged. Such conduct may violate the Trade Competition Act B.E. 2560 under Sections 50, 54, 55, 57, and 58, carrying penalties of up to two years imprisonment, fines not exceeding 10% of annual revenue, or both. Some business operators report being squeezed by uncontrollable costs, while others lose business opportunities due to inability to select appropriate shipping for their goods. The OTCC previously issued E-Commerce guidelines for multi-sided digital platforms with immediate effect, referencing the Trade Competition Act to address unfair or anti-competitive practices. Guidelines cover pricing restrictions—including price fixing, unjustified discrimination, and excessive undisclosed fees—and behavioral restrictions including algorithm-based visibility discrimination and mandatory service usage. Violations carry both criminal and administrative penalties, with the OTCC emphasizing case-by-case evaluation.