Bangkok: The Ministry of Commerce is intensifying its crackdown on price gouging amid a surge in complaints about unfair pricing practices. Businesses have been warned against price gouging, with the ministry vowing to take decisive legal action against violators.

According to Thai News Agency, the Department of Internal Trade is actively monitoring complaints related to product prices and quantities through the 1569 hotline. From March 1st to 24th, 2026, a total of 372 complaints were received, with 70 complaints originating from Bangkok and 302 from other provinces.

Ms. Lalida Periswiwatana, Deputy Spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, stated that 137 of these complaints have been investigated, while 235 remain under investigation. Eighteen violations have been identified, including 14 instances of failing to display prices, three cases of selling goods at prices different from those displayed, and one case of unclear price display. Legal action has been initiated in these cases.

Additionally, 33 complaints have been lodged regarding the sale of goods at excessively high prices, with three complaints in Bangkok and 30 in other provinces. These cases are currently under investigation, and strict legal action will be taken if any violations are confirmed.

Ms. Lalida emphasized that businesses, while facing increased costs due to the energy situation, must operate fairly and not exploit the situation by unjustifiably raising prices. Compliance with the law is mandatory.

The public is encouraged to report any unfair practices, such as failure to display prices or selling goods at excessively high prices, to the Department of Internal Trade hotline at 1569, which is available 24 hours a day.

"The government is continuously committed to managing the cost of living for the public, coupled with regulating commodity prices to ensure fairness in the economic system and strictly protecting consumers," Ms. Lalida stated.