Bangkok:The commerce ministry is actively monitoring vegetable prices during the annual Vegetarian Festival, as concerns rise over flooding in key farming areas that have led to increased costs for some produce.

According to Thai News Agency, Department of Internal Trade Director-General Wattanasak Sur-iam conducted inspections on Friday in Bangkok's Chinatown, specifically the Leng Buai Ia community. This was done in preparation for the nine-day festival that runs from October 10 to 18. Wattanasak urged vendors to clearly display price tags and avoid unreasonable price hikes.

The rise in prices affects certain fresh vegetables such as Chinese kale, morning glory, Bok Choy, lettuce, Chinese cabbage, yardlong beans, bitter gourd, cucumbers, and chilies. This increase is attributed to higher seasonal demand and disruptions in harvesting and transport due to flooding.

To mitigate the issue, the department is sourcing additional produce from unaffected local growers to supply wholesale markets. Officials anticipate that prices will stabilize one to two days after the festival concludes.

In contrast, the prices for key dry ingredients like shiitake mushrooms, dried daylily flowers, textured vegetable protein, and peeled ginkgo nuts have decreased compared to last year. Meanwhile, yellow noodles and Hong Kong noodles have maintained stable prices.

Despite minor cost increases, vendors in the Leng Buai Ia market are maintaining existing price levels to alleviate consumer burden during the festival.