Bangkok: The Commerce Ministry has initiated stringent inspections of fuel dispensers across the nation during the New Year period. The Department of Internal Trade has launched a comprehensive patrol of gas stations to safeguard consumer rights, ensure fair trade practices, and enhance public confidence for those traveling back to their hometowns and visiting tourist spots during the holiday.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Witiyakorn Maneenet, Director-General of the Department of Internal Trade, announced the collaboration with the private sector, including gas stations, to deploy a special inspection team to verify the accuracy of fuel dispensers nationwide. This initiative aligns with the policy of Ms. Supajee Suthamphan, Minister of Commerce, aimed at reducing the public’s cost of living while fostering fairness and confidence in the trading system, particularly during significant festivals.
The Director-General emphasized that the Department of Internal Trade prioritizes maintaining public confidence during major festivals such as New Year’s and Songkran by conducting continuous inspections of transportation hubs, shops, and fresh markets, along with deploying special task forces. This annual mission ensures that citizens receive fair treatment and maintain confidence in using various services while traveling.
In terms of supervising gas stations, the Department not only relies on official inspections but also encourages gas stations to engage in self-inspection or self-certification through the Department of Internal Trade’s “Standard Fuel Dispenser” project. Presently, 6,878 gas stations, representing over 85% of major brands nationwide, are part of this project, showcasing private sector cooperation in building public confidence during holiday travel.
The Director-General further stated that this initiative reinforces public confidence in receiving the full, correct, and fair quantity of fuel at gas stations, contributing to managing the cost of living and ensuring fair trade practices in line with the Minister of Commerce’s policy.
Additionally, the Department of Internal Trade continues to work with gas stations in other areas, particularly during times of agricultural surplus. Many gas stations serve as distribution channels for agricultural products and raw materials, helping to absorb excess production and alleviate oversupply issues. The department appreciates the consistent cooperation from gas station operators with government measures.
The inspection plan for fuel dispensers during the New Year holiday will be carried out from December 1st to 26th, 2025, targeting at least 2,000 gas stations, or approximately 40,000 dispensers, across major and inter-provincial routes, as well as key tourist areas nationwide. This effort involves collaboration with the Central and Regional Offices of Weights and Measures, Provincial Commerce Offices, Provincial Energy Offices, the Department of Energy Business, oil companies, and legally registered inspection units.
Consumers experiencing unfair treatment when refueling can report to the Department of Internal Trade hotline at 1569, Line @MR.DIT, or provincial commerce offices nationwide. Penalties for using inaccurate fuel dispensers or lacking certification include imprisonment of up to 6 months or a fine of up to 20,000 baht, or both. Modifying fuel dispensers to be inaccurate could result in imprisonment of up to 7 years and a fine of up to 280,000 baht.