Bangkok: The Ministry of Commerce is intensifying its oversight of shops participating in the “Half-Half Plus” program to curb unfair practices and ensure adherence to legal standards.
According to Thai News Agency, the Department of Internal Trade (DIT) is enforcing guidelines that mandate vendors to maintain consistent pricing for both cash and program-based payments and to include VAT in displayed prices.
Mr. Witthayakorn Maninetra, the Director-General of the Department of Internal Trade, highlighted that provincial commerce offices have been engaged to provide guidance to vendors. Vendors are required to display final selling prices, inclusive of the 7% Value-Added Tax (VAT) if registered. Restaurants must clearly show food prices and other expenses to allow consumers to make informed decisions. The fairness mandate requires that prices remain consistent for all consumer groups, irrespective of payment method.
Between October 29 and November 4, 2025, 112 complaints were lodged with the Department of Internal Trade. These included overpricing, failure to display price tags, and misrepresentation under the “Half-Half” scheme. Complaints about additional VAT charges beyond displayed prices are treated as unfair practices, subject to prosecution under the Price of Goods and Services Act B.E. 2542 (1999), which carries penalties of fines up to 10,000 baht or imprisonment up to seven years, or both for severe violations.
A recent inspection in Nong Chok District, Bangkok, found a shop inflating prices during the “Half-Half Plus” scheme and failing to display price tags. The shop owner was fined 2,000 baht for violating Sections 3 and 11 of the Central Committee on Prices of Goods and Services (CCP) Announcement No. 68 B.E. 2568 (2025).
In Buriram Province, a store was fined 1,000 baht for adding a 7% VAT on top of displayed prices. The store acknowledged the error and committed to adhering to correct pricing procedures.
An inspection in Khon Kaen Province exposed a Blue Flag shop accepting cash for state welfare benefits despite being closed for three months, violating program rules. The shop’s participation was revoked, and the Comptroller General’s Department was notified to suspend the “Thung Ngern” app to prevent further misuse.
The Department of Internal Trade stresses that Blue Flag shops must follow the “Blue Flag Shop Rules,” prohibiting cash exchanges for welfare benefits, forced purchases, and price exploitation. Violators face immediate program expulsion.
Mr. Witthayakorn emphasized the department’s commitment to monitoring and educating merchants to ensure compliance and protect consumer interests. The public is encouraged to report violations through the Department of Internal Trade hotline at 1569 or provincial offices to uphold fair trade practices.