Bangkok: The Ministry of Commerce conducted random inspections across Thailand and found eight businesses that did not display price tags or sold goods at excessively high prices. The inspections are part of ongoing efforts to control the cost of living and prevent price gouging.
According to Thai News Agency, the Ministry of Commerce confirmed that there is still sufficient supply of goods and that major businesses are cooperating to maintain price controls. Random inspections across Thailand found eight businesses that did not display price tags or were selling goods at excessively high prices. Ms. Kanittha Kangsuwanich, Inspector General and Deputy Spokesperson of the Ministry of Commerce, discussed measures to control the cost of living and commodity prices, stating that Minister of Commerce, Ms. Supajee Suthamphan, has instructed commerce officials in all 76 provinces to closely monitor the cost of living situation and prevent opportunistic price gouging caused by rising oil prices, which results in the sale of goods above their actual cost and thus exploits consumers.
Since the beginning of March, the Ministry of Commerce, in collaboration with state law enforcement agencies such as the Consumer Protection Police Division of the Royal Thai Police, has conducted random inspections of over 1,600 establishments. These include 1,027 gas stations, 346 chemical fertilizer retailers, and 252 wholesale markets. Eight violations were found in seven provinces: Chumphon, Sa Kaeo, Sakon Nakhon, Ubon Ratchathani, Chiang Rai, Nakhon Si Thammarat, and Nakhon Phanom. The violations involved the failure to display price tags, and the officials have imposed fines according to the law.
Yesterday, inspections were conducted at nearly 300 more establishments, including 187 gas stations, 49 fertilizer shops, and 41 retail and wholesale markets. Two violations were found in Nakhon Si Thammarat and Ang Thong, involving failure to display price tags and selling goods at excessively high prices. Officials have taken legal action accordingly.
Furthermore, the Ministry of Commerce has held discussions with nine major consumer goods manufacturers and found that current stock levels are sufficient and prices can be maintained for some time. 'The Ministry of Commerce would like to reaffirm that it will closely monitor the prices of goods and services, while simultaneously maintaining price stability and production costs. This is to ensure that businesses and farmers can continue their operations and economic activities fairly and continuously, prioritizing the interests of the Thai people. The Ministry of Commerce is ready to work with all sectors to adjust measures to align with changing circumstances in a timely manner,' Ms. Kanittha said.