Bangkok: The Ministry of Commerce will hold a meeting with the Joint Committee on Commerce (JCC) this afternoon to increase the number of controlled items to 71.
According to Thai News Agency, the Center for Economic Situation Administration (CESA) revealed that the Ministry will also focus on expanding the number of Blue Flag and Green Flag store areas to help alleviate the cost of living for the public.
Mr. Nantapong Chiraleartpong, Director of the Trade Policy and Strategy Office (TPSO) and spokesperson for the Ministry of Commerce, announced measures to address the cost of living, stating that provincial commerce offices, in collaboration with provincial energy offices and governors, have conducted field visits across 16 provinces. These visits covered 2,726 locations, including gas stations, fertilizer shops, and retail markets. Violations of the Price Control Act of 1999 were discovered in 9 provinces, leading to charges and fines. A total of 372 complaints were received through the Department of Internal Trade's hotline, with ongoing investigations into 235 complaints.
Ministry officials, including central office staff, conducted market visits in Bangkok and surrounding areas to monitor goods' prices and quantities. Their findings indicated that goods' quantities were sufficient and prices remained stable except for items like pork, chicken, and eggs, which saw price increases due to rising costs.
The Ministry also observed that plastic bags have increased in price, prompting adjustments in measures to align with public demand and costs. This includes expanding distribution areas for government-subsidized goods and implementing the "Green Flag" program to reduce fertilizer prices.
Additionally, the "Thai Helps Thai" initiative aims to connect businesses to stabilize essential goods' prices. Commerce Minister Supajee Suthamphan will convene a meeting to consider adding 12 more controlled items, including bottled water and other goods related to living and production costs, increasing the total from 59 to 71 items.
The Ministry plans to increase products requiring permission before price hikes from 8 to 21 items, including toilet paper and soap. If approved, the proposal will be submitted to the Cabinet on March 31st. A Ministry spokesperson noted that recent price increases in fresh food, cooking oil, and plastic bags are due to energy, transportation, and raw material costs, highlighting the need for urgent cost-reduction measures.