Kanissorn Navanugraha, director-general of the Business Development Department, said the ministry's `Trustmark' program was designed to support Thai E-Commerce players and help them earn recognition from consumers.

To join the program is free of charge. Any E-commerce trader whose qualifications meet the Commerce Ministry requirements will be awarded a `Verified' symbol to be shown on their website.

Seeing the `Verified' symbol, would-be consumers were assured of a quality product from the seller, said Mr. Kanissorn.

A recent survey found the total value of trade via the E-Commerce system in 2006 totaled around Bt305.16 billion. Of the total, trade through the government's e-auction dealings was as much as Bt176.68 billion and business to business (B to B) was Bt79.73 billion, while business to consumer (B to C) was only Bt47.50 billion.

Mr. Kanissorn added B to C trade could expand further if consumers had enough confidence to buy goods through the internet.

Out of more than 60 million Thais, less than 8.5 million used the internet, according to Mr. Kanissorn. (TNA) - E111