Thailand: Implemented ETC order on criteria for impact assessment on operation of digital platform services (2566)

On 23 November 2023, the Electronic Transactions Commission's (ETC) order on criteria for impact assessment on operation of digital platform services (2566) entered into force. The order establishes a comprehensive framework for evaluating the impact of digital platform services on the Thai economy and society and aims to provide guidelines and criteria to regulate and monitor digital platforms operating within Thailand, ensuring that these platforms adhere to national regulations and contribute positively to the digital ecosystem. Furthermore, the order outlines specific criteria for assessing the level of impact that digital platforms might have, ranging from economic and social factors to compliance with existing laws and regulations. In addition, it introduces a classification system to categorise the impact of each platform based on their operational characteristics and their potential effects on users, society, and the economy. The framework includes different levels of evaluation and scoring systems to quantify the potential influence of each digital platform and it considers both positive and negative impacts, providing a holistic view of how these services can shape the digital landscape in Thailand. Finally, the order also includes recommendations for mitigating negative impacts and enhancing the positive contributions of digital platforms.