Thailand to tighten scrutiny of PDD-backed shopping app Temu to protect local merchants, report says
- Temu launched its platform in Thailand on July 31, marking its third market in Southeast Asia after the Philippines and Malaysia
Thailand authorities are tightening regulations on the bargain shopping site Temu, which entered the Thai market last month, to protect local merchants from the influx of low-priced, direct-to-consumer Chinese products, according to the Bangkok Post.
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has directed the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society, the Revenue Department, and police to ensure that Temu, operated by Chinese e-commerce titan PDD Holdings, complies with local laws and pays taxes appropriately, the Thai newspaper reported.
Discussions are under way regarding stricter import measures, the prime minister noted. In July, Thailand introduced a 7 per cent value-added tax (VAT) on imported products priced below 1,500 baht (US$42), effective through the end of December. Next year, a new law will allow the revenue department to continue collecting VAT on such products.
Temu did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Monday.
Temu launched its platform in Thailand on July 31, marking its third market in Southeast Asia after the Philippines and Malaysia. The company is offering discounts of up to 90 per cent on some products and promises fast delivery directly from China, with shipping in under five days.
