Buriram: The Buriram Provincial Commerce Office has fined 1,000 baht to stores participating in the Half-Half Plus program, adding 7% VAT to the product price tag. Following a public outcry demanding an investigation into a cosmetics store in Buriram Province that allegedly charged a 7% VAT on top of the listed price, the store owner admitted to raising prices by 7%. The reason for this increase was that the store had filed a VAT return, which requires a 7% refund to the Revenue Department each month. This is different from other stores that may pay a lump sum tax, and the store is willing to allow the relevant authorities to investigate.

According to Thai News Agency, most recently, Mr. Suthisak Phrombut, Buriram Provincial Commerce Officer, along with relevant officials, inspected the store that made the news. They found that the store was selling merchandise that did not match the actual price displayed on its sign. The store owner confessed to the alleged behavior, which is a violation of Section 28 of the Price of Goods and Services Act B.E. 2542.

For this offense, the fine is no more than 10,000 baht. However, in the case of the shop in question, officials fined the shop 1,000 baht, which is a reasonable fine as it is not a juristic person. They also emphasized strict compliance with the Price of Goods and Services Act of 1999, which the shop owner was happy to comply with without any objection.