The Thai Retailers Association has joined forces with the Ministry of Commerce to move forward with a projectcalled "Thai Help Thai"to sell affordable products that help reduce living costs for the public amid impacts from the Middle East war, while proposing a systematic three-phase approach.
On 26 Mar 2024 GMT+7, reporters reported that the Thai Retailers Association announced cooperation with the Ministry of Commerce to advance the project"Thai Help Thai"to urgently ease living costs by mobilizing essential consumer goods, especially House Brand products and quality second-tier brands from member stores and networks totaling over 5,000 items, to be sold at affordable prices through retail channels nationwide. They also proposed a three-phase systematic plan to manage living costs, alongside expanding retail outlets accepting state welfare cards (poverty cards) for wider coverage. The project will run from April to May, spanning two months, focusing on ensuring essential consumer goods remain affordable and accessible nationwide while building consumer confidence in product availability through sufficient stock management and short-term price risk control, relying on a ready supply chain.across all sectorsfrom manufacturers and suppliers to logistics systems.
Mr. Nat Wongpanich, Chairman of the Thai Retailers Association, stated that the prolonged Middle East situation directly affects energy costs, impacting product prices. The association sees the necessity to implement short-, medium-, and long-term measures. In the urgent phase, the association fully supports the"Thai Help Thai"project by introducing quality House Brand and alternative brand (second-tier brand)productsfrom member stores and networks to be sold affordably, increasing options and easing citizens' living expenses. They also proposed expanding outlets accepting state welfare cards to modern trade stores for greater convenience and accessibility.
However, the association recognizes that managing living costs requires systematic, continuous efforts and thus proposes a three-phase plan as follows: 1. Short-term – Price stabilization (first 60 days). They suggest establishing a joint public-private committee including the Ministry of Commerce, Ministry of Energy, Thai Retailers Association,and the Thai Wholesale Association,as well as manufacturers and distributors, with meetings at least twice a month to monitor energy prices, transportation costs, and supply risks to plan stock management and timely price control.They will define a basket of essential goodsat affordable prices (flagship products) with a unified standard nationwide through cooperation among government, producers, wholesalers, and retailers both centrally and provincially, ensuring citizens can access these essentials at reasonable prices.
2. Medium-term – Cost reduction (60 days to 12 months). They will clearly categorize target products into high-necessity goods, necessary goods with substitutes, and general goods to implement appropriate pricing and availability measures aligned with demand and target groups. They propose logistics support, especially for regional and provincial operators, to ensure all areas can access essential goods affordably and comprehensively.
3. Long-term – Structural adjustment (1 to 3 years). They propose upgrading the retail and logistics system by developing regional distribution networks to improve stock and transport efficiency for rapid delivery nationwide. They will promote alternative energy use in transport to reduce long-term costs and mitigate risks fromenergy pricevolatility.
Mr. Nat added that the association is ready to work closely with the government and all sectors to jointly manage living costs while maintaining trade system stability and strengthening businesses, aiming to sustainably advance Thailand's economy.