Disclose prices or face fines, warns DIT

Disclose prices or face fines, warns DIT

Online businesses which failed to disclose the price of their goods and services may face a maximum fine of 10,000 baht, the Department of Internal Trade warns.

Vichai Pochanakit, director-general of the department, said the move was made after the department received complaints through its 1569 hotline about online businesses operating on Facebook, Instagram, Line and other platforms.

"Many of these businesses chose not to display the prices of their goods and services, with many inviting customers to inquire through private chats," he said.

"We have investigated a number of websites and fined offenders accordingly, to protect consumers."

Mr Vichai said admitted tracing the offenders can take some time, as online business operators often move from one place to another.

"As such, customers are advised to collect as much information as they can about the vendors, which will help us track the offenders down," he said.

Online businesses are required to disclose the price of their goods and services, as required by the Department's Central Committee Notification on the Price of Goods and Services via e-Commerce.

The penalty for failing to disclose prices — as well as other information such as the type of goods on offer, description, and additional fees and charges — is outlined under Section 28 and 40 of the Price of Goods and Services Act.

"Customers can report suspected violations through the department's 1569 hotline, or through the provincial office for commercial affairs," he said.

If an arrest is made or a fine is issued, the person who made the report is eligible to a reward equal to 25% of the fine issued. "For example, if the offender is slapped with a 10,000 baht fine, whoever made the report will receive 2,500 baht," said Mr Vichai.

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