Thailand digital commerce regulatory developments

The Thai government has initiated efforts to modernize its digital economy through legislative and regulatory actions. In late September 2026, the Cabinet was presented with a draft of the Electronic Transactions Act. This proposed legislation aims to align national laws with the UNCITRAL Model Law, providing legal recognition for electronic signatures, electronic seals, and automated contracts. The act also seeks to grant electronic negotiable instruments, such as checks and promissory notes, the same legal standing as paper documents.

By late October 2026, regulatory focus expanded to include the protection of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The Ministry of Commerce negotiated with major e-marketplace platforms, including Shopee, TikTok Shop, and Lazada, to revert mandatory fee rates to January 1, 2026, levels for at least six months. This measure is intended to reduce the financial burden on SMEs by approximately 1,930 million baht.

Concurrently, discussions in the House of Representatives regarding the Electronic Transactions Act have focused on balancing international standards with domestic protections. Lawmakers are emphasizing the need to prevent monopolies, protect citizens from cybercrime, and ensure that new regulations do not disproportionately benefit foreign capital over local businesses.