The Department of Internal Trade conducted an on-site inspection at World Market ahead of the Chinese Ghost Festival, reporting lively consumer spending with stable prices for pork, chicken, and vegetables. Efforts are underway to increase egg supplies to the market, and vendors are warned that failure to display price tags may result in a fine of 10,000 baht.
Mr. Jirawut Suwanart, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Internal Trade, revealed after inspecting sales conditions at World Market in Thawi Watthana District, Bangkok, on 25 August 2026, ahead of the Chinese Ghost Festival on 27 August 2026, that the department deployed officials to monitor price trends, product quantities, price tag displays, and weighing accuracy. This was to ensure fair trade as consumers purchase ingredients for cooking and ancestral offerings, covering fresh food, dried goods, ready-to-eat foods, vegetables, fruits, and ritual items.
Market price surveys showed that many fresh food items have seen price decreases, such as:
Some egg sellers reported reduced stock availability. Therefore, the Department of Internal Trade has coordinated with the Egg Producers Association and relevant sectors to increase egg supply by encouraging an extended cage-laying period for hens to boost production and maintain sufficient market egg quantities for consumers.
Several dried food items have decreased in price compared to last year, such as 400-gram dried noodles priced at 30–35 baht per bag, medium-sized Chinese shiitake mushrooms at 300–600 baht per kilogram, and Chinese bamboo shoots at 280–420 baht per kilogram. Some items increased, including fresh tofu skin at 260–350 baht per kilogram and medium-sized dried squid at 2,400–2,700 baht per kilogram. Ready-to-eat foods like braised whole duck and boiled free-range chicken ranged from 380–550 baht per bird.
Regarding ritual offerings, some items have slightly increased in price due to raw material costs, while many remain stable. Items with price adjustments include wooden candlesticks and silver/gold paper, with prices varying by size. Vegetable and fruit prices fluctuate according to quality and yield, but overall remain normal with sufficient supply to meet demand.
Mr. Jirawut stated that in terms of legal compliance, most vendors clearly display price tags on products, shelves, or nearby visible areas, sell at the displayed prices, and use standardized weighing scales. The department has emphasized that vendors must display accurate and complete price tags to enable consumers to compare prices and receive correct product weights.
There have been few complaints recently, mostly concerning missing price tags. The Department of Internal Trade continues to inspect complaints closely and will take legal action against violations. Vendors who fail to display price tags or service charges may face fines up to 10,000 baht. Consumers who notice missing price tags, prices not matching displayed tags, or unfair practices can report via the department’s hotline 1569 or local commerce offices nationwide.