The Department of Internal Trade is preparing to propose to the Central Committee on Prices and Services (CCPS) to add 12 more controlled items, such as plastic pellets and drinking water, and to strengthen control measures on 13 existing controlled items. Under the new measures, price increases must be notified in advance. This move is to address impacts from the Middle East conflicts. The department emphasized that currently, no consumer goods have raised prices, but acknowledged that if costs rise, selling prices will have to increase. Meanwhile, the Department of Business Development is discussing with retailers and producers to create affordable house-brand products to help reduce living costs.
Mr. Witthayakorn Maneenet, Director-General of the Department of Internal Trade, revealed that the department plans to present to the Central Committee on Prices and Services (CCPS), chaired by the Minister of Commerce, on 25 Mar 2026, a proposal to add essential goods for the public to the list of controlled goods and services under the Price of Goods and Services Act B.E. 2542 (1999). The addition includes 12 items such as plastic pellets and drinking water, increasing the total controlled items from 59 to 71. If the CCPS approves, it will be submitted to the Cabinet for approval in the meeting on 31 Mar 2026 to address the crisis situation of goods and to alleviate public hardship.
At the same time, the department will propose additional measures to intensify supervision of 13 controlled items, such as toilet paper and facial tissue, shampoo, detergent and washing liquids, dishwashing products, sanitary pads, and soap. Previously, only price change notifications were required; now, approval from the department must be obtained before any price increases.
Regarding the price situation, aside from items that have already increased due to higher costs like pork and eggs, inspections of essential consumer goods found that overall, prices have not risen recently. Stock levels are sufficient to maintain current prices for another two months, covering April to May 2026. However, if any item's costs truly rise, prices will be adjusted accordingly. The department will also offer affordable alternative products to the public. Concerning plastic pellets, which are raw materials for packaging and were feared to run out by April, the department confirmed sufficient stock to last longer. Including these items in the controlled list will enable proper regulation of stock and costs throughout the supply chain from production to retail.
Regarding the potential price increase of instant noodles, Mr. Witthayakorn said no manufacturer has yet requested a price hike, only expressing concern about packaging shortages, which the department is trying to resolve. For chemical fertilizers, current stock lasts until May 2026. Although some products from the Middle East are not arriving, imports continue steadily from other sources such as Malaysia and Brunei. The department will soon convene fertilizer producers and traders to check stocks and additional demand. As for palm oil prices, current stocks are selling at 42 to 50 baht per bottle, but prices for new stock may rise.
To reduce living costs, the department will accelerate the schedule of the Flag Sale Campaign, previously held 60 times a year, now condensed into 4 months starting from 23 Mar to August 2026. It will also request additional government budget to organize the Flag Sale nationwide, and to expand the Green Flag Plus project offering affordable fertilizers. Currently, the project has a 20 million baht budget assisting farmers in 10 provinces, but it plans to request more funds to cover 50 provinces and crops including rice, cassava, animal feed corn, palm oil, and fruits.
During complaint inspections from 4 to 21 Mar 2026, there were over 4,178 complaints divided into three parts: fuel station pumps with 1,554 stations inspected found 2 violations; hotline 1569 received 324 complaints with 16 violations found; and provincial commerce offices inspected 2,183 locations and found 10 violations.
Mr. Poonphong Nainapakon, Director-General of the Department of Business Development, said the department invited the Thai Chamber of Commerce, Thai Retailers Association, packaged rice producers, and major retail chains for discussions on ways to help reduce living costs. They plan to implement the "Thai Helps Thai" project by offering essential house-brand goods or alternative brand products from major producers, such as soap, shampoo, detergent, toothpaste, rice, sugar, fish sauce, cooking oil, seasoning sauce, instant noodles, canned food, etc., at affordable prices to assist the public.
"Currently, the department has asked producers and retailers to prepare a list of affordable products to submit within this week. For example, stores producing and selling goods at 20 baht per item, if participating in the project, will offer lower prices by cutting marketing costs. These quality products will be sold through retail chains and small shops in the Ministry of Commerce's network, starting from April 2026 for an initial period of two months," he said.
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