The Department of Internal Trade has stepped up field inspections following recent social media trends.Social mediaregarding product prices, emphasizing that markets, malls, and gas stations are operating normally nationwide and warning against opportunistic price increases; immediate legal action will be taken if violations are found.
Mr. Witthayakorn Maneenet, Director-General of the Department of Internal Trade, revealed that after news arose that might cause public concern about product price conditions, the department immediately dispatched teams to monitor the situation. Four inspection teams, led by the Director-General and Deputy Director-General, visited actual sales points including gas stations, wholesale and retail stores, modern trade outlets, shops, and major wholesale markets to assess the situation firsthand.
During today's field visit, the Director-General monitored the Si Mum Mueang Market, a large wholesale market. Inspection found that sales were proceeding normally, with sufficient product quantities and prices mostly stable. Price fluctuations occurred only slightly due to supply and demand dynamics, and no impacts from international conflicts were observed.
The Si Mum Mueang Market reported an average daily inflow of about 8,000 tons of goods. Both product quantities and prices remain stable, with no significant price increases detected. Should the situation change, the market will promptly inform the Department of Internal Trade to consider appropriate management measures.
Meanwhile, the Deputy Director-Generalof the Department of Internal Tradeconducted inspectionsat three gas stations in the Bangkok and Nonthaburi areas. The inspections found high customer traffic, and the stations confirmed sufficient fuel supplies. They pledged to keep prices stable under government policy, with no planned increases. For sales in gallons, considerations will be made for users who need fuel for agricultural or machinery use.Regarding modern trade outlets such as Makro, Tops Supermarket, Lotus, and Big C, the Deputy Director-General's team reported that prices remain normal, product availability is complete, and stock levels are adequate. They affirmed that products are sufficient because Thailand is a major producer of essential consumer goods.
pertinentto consumer needs.For small retailers, the Department of Internal Trade has dispatched inspection officers to check retail and small stores throughout Bangkok and provinces nationwide. This aims to closely monitor sales practices and prevent opportunistic price hikes during times when the public is concerned.
Mr. Witthayakorn further stated, "The Department of Internal Trade is also monitoring structural factors by establishing working groups with related agencies to comprehensively analyze cost impacts on products, such as how oil prices affect various product prices, as well as costs of petrochemical raw materials and fertilizers. This ensures price regulation aligns appropriately with actual costs.
Going forward, the department will discuss with retail operators to plan management of both the quantity and price levels of essential consumer goods. For imported products, costs and stock levels will be closely monitored, and cooperation will be sought from operators to maintain import prices before any cost changes occur."
The Director-General emphasized that currently there are no cost factors necessitating price increases. He warned businesses against unjustified price hikes and said that any exploitation of consumers will be met with strict legal action.
He reassured the public that supplies remain sufficient and sales continue normally, urging people to follow official information from government agencies or reputable media to avoid misunderstandings from unofficial sources. If unfair sales practices are detected, the public can report them anytime via the Department of Internal Trade hotline at 1569, available 24 hours.
.
Read more on " Government Policy "