Bangkok: "Suphajee" affirms that price controls will be implemented on 59 items to ensure that businesses and the public can survive. She emphasizes that prices must be calculated based on true costs, and existing stock must maintain its original price. Violators will face decisive action, with provincial commerce officials dispatched to the field for inspections.
According to Thai News Agency, Commerce Minister Supajee Suthamphan addressed the proposed measures to assist the public during the energy crisis resulting from the conflict in the Middle East, which will be considered by the Cabinet. She stated that the measures will be systemic, particularly regarding consumer goods. Regarding prices under the Ministry of Commerce's purview, she explained that any price increases must be verified for legality, and that collaborative measures are being implemented with the Ministry of Interior, as well as provincial commerce and energy departments. These departments will conduct on-site inspections to monitor controlled goods and identify instances of price gouging. Reports can be made via the Commerce Hotline at 1569. Currently, the Ministry of Commerce oversees 59 categories of controlled goods, including consumer products such as instant noodles and milk. Regarding fuel prices, the Ministry of Commerce does not set the prices; that is the responsibility of the Ministry of Energy, which announces pump and refinery prices. The Ministry of Commerce monitors for excessive price increases to prevent hoarding.
Ms. Supajee further stated that regarding regulated goods and their related structures for businesses, discussions have been held on how to manage and oversee these structures, including the reasonableness of any adjustments. Currently, energy prices have not increased, but public panic may be the cause. Relevant agencies, such as the Ministry of Energy, must address this, given our oil reserves. Regarding the potential increase in fuel prices, a global trend, it's necessary to consider the reasonableness of price increases and the necessary relief measures. Businesses and the public must be able to survive; the entire system must work together. Excessive price pressure on businesses to the point of collapse will negatively impact employment. Therefore, measures must be implemented to control the entire system. She requested that the public await the results of today's Cabinet meeting, where measures will be presented for consideration before being discussed at the Economic and Social Council (ESSC) meeting a t 4:30 PM today, prior to an official announcement.
Ms. Supajee reiterated that discussions have been held with manufacturers to closely monitor the situation, including addressing stock shortages, particularly packaging, in order to find alternative sources. Currently, the primary source of plastic pellets is the Middle East. She has requested the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to negotiate with Iran to allow Thai cargo ships to release goods, which are not hazardous but are essential items. However, Iran has not yet responded. She also stated that Thailand has sufficient quantities of plastic pellets to last until the end of April.
Ms. Supajee also mentioned the price of urea fertilizer, which is expected to remain stable until approximately August. Regarding price increases, she stated that it depends on the cost. If it's existing stock, discussions will be held with manufacturers to explain that it's a controlled product and prices shouldn't be increased. She emphasized that manufacturers have been cooperative to a reasonable extent. For areas where fertilizer prices have already increased, the public can report instances of price gouging to the Commerce Hotline at 1569. She confirmed that the Ministry of Commerce and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs are currently negotiating shipping channels. She also mentioned that there are outstanding shipments to the Middle East that are currently delayed, and negotiations are underway. There may be opportunities to ship goods that don't have pending orders, such as processed food and certain raw materials, if negotiations can secure shipments to Middle Eastern countries, not just Iran. She added that ships carrying goods to other countries will be asked to return specific items, such as plastic pellets or fertilizer. Furthermore, negotiations are ongoing with potential shipping sources outside of the Middle East.
When asked whether people should stockpile essential goods because of rising energy prices, which would make goods more expensive, Ms. Supajee said that it's better for everyone to cooperate. She added that panicking and hoarding goods unnecessarily during a global crisis is unacceptable. Everyone should be aware, try to help each other, and use resources appropriately. However, if someone is concerned about buying and stockpiling certain items, we cannot stop them; it's their right. But they should consider what is appropriate and do what they can. She asked everyone to understand that the factors at play are very difficult to control, and the end of the conflict depends on how the affected countries manage it. Therefore, she urged everyone to help manage the situation, and the government will do what it can.
When asked whether the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had provided any updates following the discussions with Iran, Ms. Supajee said that they would have to wait until today.