Bangkok: The Commerce Ministry is set to expand its price control measures by adding 12 more items to its list, aiming to better regulate the cost of living. This initiative will increase the total number of controlled items to 71, alongside enhanced oversight and nationwide price inspections at over 2,700 locations. Recent inspections uncovered violations at 14 gas stations.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Nantapong Chiraleartpong, Director of the Office of Trade Policy and Strategy (OTPS) and spokesperson for the Ministry of Commerce, announced that the Ministry, in collaboration with relevant agencies, conducted inspections across 2,726 businesses in 76 provinces from March 5 to 24, 2026. These inspections covered 1,650 gas stations, 569 fertilizer retailers, and 507 markets and retail stores. Violations were detected at 14 gas stations across 9 provinces, primarily for failing to clearly display prices, prompting legal action by officials.
Furthermore, from March 1 to 24, 2026, the Department of Internal Trade received 372 complaints, with 137 cases investigated so far. Violations were identified in 18 cases, including failure to display prices and selling goods at incorrect or unclear prices. While 119 cases were cleared of any violations, 235 cases remain under investigation. There were also 33 complaints concerning goods sold at "unreasonable prices," which are still being examined to understand their cost structure. Legal actions will follow if violations are confirmed.
The Ministry reported that commodity prices are mostly stable and supplies are adequate, although prices of certain goods like pork, chicken, and eggs have risen due to increased raw material and transportation costs, along with packaging issues linked to the global supply chain. In contrast, prices of ready-to-eat meals have remained unchanged to maintain market position.
The Ministry of Commerce plans to amend the regulatory measures under the Price Control Act of 1999, aiming to strengthen oversight on essential items like toilet paper, facial tissues, shampoo, detergents, dishwashing products, sanitary pads, soap, bottled water, and plastic pellets used in packaging. These items are vital to everyday life, prompting the need for stricter regulation.
Additionally, the Ministry is preparing to enhance monitoring of 13 other product categories. Previously, price changes required notification, but the new procedure will mandate obtaining permission before any price increase, to ensure adjustments accurately reflect production costs.
Should the Central Committee on Prices of Goods and Services (CCPG) approve these changes, the proposal will be submitted to the Cabinet for consideration on March 31, 2026.