Mr. Jirawut Suwanachart, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Internal Trade, said after inspecting sales conditions of student uniforms at shops near Wongwian Yai in Thonburi District, Bangkok, that before the school term begins, parents tend to buy more student uniforms, shoes, socks, and school supplies. The Department of Internal Trade is closely monitoring sales to ensure consumers receive fair prices and to prevent unjustified price hikes.
::Inquiries with retailers revealed that most student uniform prices remain stable compared to last year. For example, prices for boys' shirts under the Somjai Nuek brand range from 215 to 360 baht each, boys' pants under the Topson brand range from 325 to 375 baht each, and girls' shirts under the Somjai Nuek brand range from 165 to 360 baht each. Some items saw slight increases, such as boys' shirts under the Nomjit brand rising from 139–300 baht to 179–290 baht, boys' pants under Somjai Nuek increasing from 220–345 baht to 285–345 baht, and girls' shirts under the Samor brand rising slightly from 185–310 baht to 185–315 baht. Conversely, some items decreased in price, like boys' pants under the Samor brand dropping from 260–375 baht to 238–350 baht, and girls' skirts under Samor falling from 255–419 baht to 242–419 baht. Overall, prices remain affordable enough for parents to choose appropriately.
Overall purchasing volume has slowed compared to last year due to economic conditions and rising living costs, causing parents to be more cautious with spending. Some families reuse existing uniforms or buy only essential items. Meanwhile, sales channels have diversified, including department stores, authorized dealers, online platforms, and school-based purchases to comply with each school's regulations.
Authorities have instructed retailers to clearly and fully display product prices and sell items at the listed prices. Violations, such as failing to post prices or selling above posted prices, can result in fines up to 10,000 baht. Intentional overpricing may lead to imprisonment up to seven years, fines up to 140,000 baht, or both. Consumers who witness unfair pricing or opportunistic price increases can report to the Department of Internal Trade hotline at 1569 or provincial commerce offices nationwide.
Additionally, the Department of Internal Trade has launched the “Thai Help Thai Plus: Big Back to School, Light on the Wallet” campaign for 2026 from 30 April to 31 May, lasting 32 days. Forty-nine businesses are participating, offering discounts up to 86% on over 1,000 educational products and services. This initiative is expected to reduce household expenses by at least 300 million baht. An e-catalog titled “Smart Shopping Guide: Peace of Mind Back to School 2026” has been created to compile products, promotions, and services in one place, making it easier and more cost-effective for parents to shop.
Some retailers estimate this year's sales may drop by more than 50% due to various factors, including tighter household budgets and increased frugality among parents. Additionally, declining birth rates also contribute to reduced sales.
Currently, student uniform prices are being kept roughly at last year’s levels. However, price increases are necessary for certain school supplies made from plastic materials, such as book covers.,Foam costs have risen at the source, leading to price increases averaging 1 to 3 baht per piece.
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