Ministry, consumer protection agency target online cheating

 

Whichai Phochanakij, deputy director-general of the Business Development Department, said the government would stringently inspect online traders and punish unscrupulous enterprises if they are found using illegal practices or cheating consumers.

The two agencies will investigate several cases that have been filed to the OCPB accusing traders of cheating. If they determine that such traders are guilty of illicit or unfair practices, the department will forward such cases to the police. Under the laws governing e-commerce, these enterprises could face fines of up to Bt100,000.

The department has encouraged online traders to register with it to prevent unscrupulous businesses from ripping off consumers. Registered enterprises receive a business licence and protection under the law. These enterprises have to report their address and IP (Internet protocol) domain so that if there are any problems, the department can easily report and file such cases.So far, 11,835 online traders with 13,488 websites have registered with the department.