The Electronic Transactions Development Agency (ETDA) has created the country's first state-verified free online directory website to promote e-commerce, a move aimed at pushing forward the planned digital economy.
The lists of online merchants on the e-directory site Thaiemarket.com have been verified by the ETDA in three areas: security systems, business processes and data protection, said EDTA deputy executive director Chaichana Mitrpant.
He said the site was aimed at boosting online merchants' confidence, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises.
It is also expected to encourage the e-commerce market in Thailand as the site's merchants have initially met the criteria of a qualified merchant, which is aimed at preventing online fraud and abuse.
In collaboration with leading local e-marketplace LNWshop.com, the ETD has selected 20,000 merchants to be listed in the first stage.
"We aim to increase the number of online merchants to 100,000 within the next 18 months," said Mr Chaichana, adding that the value of transactions is projected to reach 100 million baht.
But the ETDA, which is under the umbrella of the Information and Communication Technology Ministry, will not take financial responsibility for any damages or losses involving the companies, he said.
Thaiemarket provides the e-directory service free of charge.
Somwang Luangphaiboonsri, secretary of the Thai e-Commerce Association, said the local market had grown by an average of 30% annually.
The market is expected to grow by 40% next year, driven by the growing number of mobile internet users and the arrival of new e-commerce players.
Mobile commerce and catalogues look set to gain added momentum in 2015, thanks to the proliferation of smartphones and social messaging apps.
The number of e-commerce transactions through mobile devices accounts for 40% of the total number of transactions, according to research.
The ETDA expects the government to pass six laws relating to electronic transactions and activities by March to push forward its digital economy policy.