The government is preparing to invite key e-commerce platform operators for a talk on the impact of low-cost imported products from China into Thailand, says caretaker Industry Minister Pimphattra Wichaikul.
The move follows a cabinet resolution on Aug 13 instructing state agencies, including the Industry Ministry, to find new measures to ease the impact of the influx of Chinese products on local manufacturers, especially small and medium-sized enterprises.
Concern intensified after Chinese online retailer Temu entered the Thai market, offering substantial product discounts on its platform.
"The government expects online platform operators to cooperate and join the talk," said Ms Pimphattra.
The Industry, Commerce and Finance ministries, the Food and Drug Administration and the Office of the Consumer Protection Board will join the meeting with the operators, including Lazada, Shopee and Temu, she said.
The meeting is likely to focus on issues such as the quality of the imports and is expected to be held as soon as possible, said Ms Pimphattra.
Ms Pimphattra, centre, presides over a seminar on AI technology in the industrial sector, organised by LIV-24 Co, which offers AI technology for security at factories.
The minister was speaking as she presided over a seminar on artificial intelligence (AI) technology in the industrial sector, organised by LIV-24 Co, which offers AI technology for security at factories.
The company is a subsidiary of housing developer Sansiri Plc.
Permanent industry secretary Nattapol Rangsitpol, also speaking at the seminar, said the Industry Ministry is planning to talk with the Finance Ministry about a proposal to increase taxes on products dumped in the Thai market by regional neighbours.
Industry officials will also suggest the Finance Ministry issue a regulation empowering authorities to inspect warehouses in duty-free zones, said Mr Nattapol.
The government is currently not empowered to conduct such inspections of imported products in these zones, he said.
Niramon Direkmahamongkol, managing director of LIV-24, said digital technology will increasingly play a key role in developing businesses, including helping entrepreneurs improve security systems.