The Department of Internal Trade has joined forces with retailers, hardware stores, electronics outlets, and car manufacturers to freeze prices on goods and services, and to offer special discounts on home repairs and vehicle inspections to support citizens' recovery after floodwaters recede.
Mr. Wathanasak Suea-iem, Director-General of the Department of Internal Trade, revealed that the department held a meeting with relevant business operators to prepare for post-flood recovery. They requested all operators to freeze prices on goods and services, urged them to manage stock and spare parts sufficiently, and to expedite replenishment and distribution to high-demand areas. They also prepared technicians and repair services to address damage after the waters recede. The cooperating operators cover three main groups:
1. Building materials and home repair supplies category. Leading brands include HomePro, DoHome, Thai Watsadu, Mega Home, and Global House.
2. Electrical appliances and cleaning equipment category. Retailers and electronics centers such as CP Extra, HomePro, Mega Home, Global House, Power Buy, Power Mall, Central, Robinson, DoHome, Thai Watsadu, and Big C.
3. Automotive service centers and car manufacturers category. Leading car service centers include FIT Auto, Cockpit, Tyre Plus, B-Quik, Autoclik, Autobacs, MMS, as well as major car brands like Toyota, Ford, Isuzu, Mitsubishi, and Nissan.
Additionally, operators were asked to create promotions to help citizens during the post-flood period to reduce living expenses. Operators have agreed to cooperate fully with offers such as discounts on essential home recovery products, free or discounted surveys, inspections, or repairs, trade-in campaigns, installment programs, and discounted vehicle inspections. Other possible measures will be considered and coordinated with the Department of Internal Trade promptly.
The department also invited wholesale and retail stores selling goods and building materials, as well as decoration items, to participate by opening sales points. These will be organized at local, provincial, and regional levels under the project “Thai Help Thai, Blue Flag Cost of Living Reduction.” They also invited the private sector to support essential items to assist flood-affected citizens.
The Department of Internal Trade will closely monitor public demand in each area and coordinate with more operators if urgent needs for goods, spare parts, or repair services arise to ensure adequate and widespread availability.
Citizens are advised to check prices and service terms before purchasing or using services. If unfair sales practices are detected, they should report to the Department’s hotline at 1569 for officials to inspect and take legal action.
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