Thai PM Calls for Scrutiny of Temu After E-commerce Expansion in SE Asia

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has called for an investigation into Temu following its expansion. Concerns have been made about the impact on Thailand's small and medium-sized firms. Temu's tax consequences and potential flood of low-value goods are under investigation.

Credit: Asean-Australia Special Summit 2024/via AFP

Thailand's Prime Minister, Srettha Thavisin, has called for a comprehensive probe of Temu following the e-commerce platform's recent expansion in Southeast Asia. There are concerns that Temu's presence will have a negative influence on Thailand's small and medium-sized firms. PDD's low-cost shopping app debuted in Thailand in late July, with reductions of up to 90% off retail pricing and free 90-day returns.

During a recent speech, Srettha emphasised Thailand's tax exemption for goods worth less than 1,500 baht (US $42.30). This exemption could result in the Chinese e-commerce platform paying reduced taxes, causing a flood of low-value goods into Thailand. Srettha underlined the significance of resolving this issue to avoid any negative effects on the local market.

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• Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin calls for investigation into Temu post-expansion

• Concerns raised over impact on small- and medium-sized enterprises in Thailand

• Temu's tax implications and potential flood of low-value goods under scrutiny

Source: TECHNODE