The Ministry of Commerce is taking decisive action against rising prices by launching a campaign to reduce living costs extending through May, accompanied by a mandate that any price increases require prior approval.
On 24 March 2026, Mr. Kornnit Nonjui, Inspector General and Deputy Spokesperson of the Ministry of Commerce, announced proactive measures to tackle the problem of expensive goods, as directed by Commerce Minister Mrs. Supajee Suthammanont. The ministry recently launched the “Thai Helps Thai” project, a major collaboration between the government, wholesale and retail chains, and leading manufacturers. The core of this initiative is to offer essential consumer products—such as rice, canned food, cooking oil, shampoo, and soap—under House Brand and Fighting Brand (budget formula) labels, providing consumers with cost-saving options. The goal is to distribute these products across all 77 provinces nationwide from April through May.
Beyond relief efforts, the ministry plans to apply stringent legal measures by proposing to the Central Committee on Prices of Goods and Services (CCPGS) the addition of “plastic pellets” and “bottled drinking water” to the list of controlled goods. The ministry will closely monitor price increases on essential items like toilet paper, detergent powder, and dishwashing liquid, requiring prior approval from the Department of Internal Trade before any price adjustments. We will not tolerate unjustified price hikes. Essential goods must be tightly regulated to ensure the public’s wellbeing.
For the long term, the ministry has prepared ongoing projects including the Blue Flag Project to distribute affordable products continuously from March to August, and the Green Flag Plus Project aimed at reducing fertilizer costs for farmers during the planting season (May to July). On enforcement, senior officials have conducted price inspections with relevant agencies at over 393 locations nationwide. In the past month, 13 cases have been prosecuted in 9 provinces, primarily for failing to clearly display price tags, thereby preventing consumer exploitation.