The Deputy Commerce Ministry Spokesperson emphasized daily strict monitoring of high prices, noting 410 complaints received and firm action taken. She confirmed that from April 1, price reduction measures will begin, expanding Thong Fah points to reach communities and linking them with the State Welfare Card.
On 27 March 2026, Ms. Kanittha Kangsawanich, Inspector General and Deputy Spokesperson of the Ministry of Commerce, announced measures to manage living costs and product prices. The Ministry continues to work with provincial governors and energy officials to monitor and inspect prices of goods and services daily, aiming to prevent price gouging or hoarding. From 1 March to 26 March, 410 complaints were received via the Department of Internal Trade hotline 1569; 187 have been investigated, and 223 remain under review. Among these, 44 complaints concern overpricing; officials have requested cost documentation from those accused for analysis and will prosecute fully if overpricing is confirmed.
Confidence in comprehensive measures
Ms. Kanittha added that the ongoing global rise in oil prices has inevitably increased production costs, transportation, and consumer goods prices. Yesterday, following a special cabinet meeting, the Minister of Commerce announced that the measures have been designed to cover all players in the supply chain—from farmers, large and small producers, traders, to consumers—to help them endure these difficult times.
Starting 1 April, 'Thai Help Thai' initiative
The 'Thai Help Thai' project aims to ease living costs for citizens through cooperation between the Ministry of Commerce and wholesale and modern retail operators. Starting 1 April, nationwide retail stores collaborating with producers and distributors will offer selected essential daily items at special prices. Target products are grouped into: 1. Consumables such as soap, shampoo, detergent, and tissue paper, discounted up to 50%; 2. Food products like rice, sugar, fish sauce, cooking oil, seasoning sauce, canned food, and instant noodles, discounted up to 25%. Focus is on house brands of wholesale and modern retail stores and alternative or secondary brands, providing affordable yet quality options, enhancing access to essentials while raising awareness and market opportunities for these products.
Increasing frequency and expanding Thong Fah points
Additionally, the 'Thai Help Thai' project connects with both major and small businesses like grocery stores to boost profits for small-scale operators as well. The existing Thong Fah affordable price project will continue and expand sales points to cover provinces, districts, and communities, increasing frequency and linking with 'Thai Help Thai' and the use of the State Welfare Card. The Ministry of Commerce will publish a Thong Fah calendar to inform the public.
For agricultural support, the Green Flag Plus program offers discounts on chemical fertilizers. Farmers holding soil quality cards from the Department of Land Development will receive special additional benefits.
Expanding controlled product list to 66 items
The Ministry of Commerce has convened the Central Committee on Prices of Goods and Services (CCPGS) to review and expand the list of controlled items amid current market volatility. The plan is to increase controlled products from 59 to 66 items, proposed to the Cabinet for approval, introducing new oversight measures for items like bottled drinking water plastic and seasoning sauces such as fish sauce and soy sauce. Additional new controlled items, including soybean meal—a key animal feed ingredient—are also being prepared for proposal.
Some previously controlled items among the 59 will have their control levels adjusted to align with the situation. For example, products requiring Ministry of Commerce approval before price increases will expand from 8 to 15 items, including bottled palm oil, tissue paper, shampoo, detergent, dishwashing liquid, sanitary pads, and soap.
Plans to elevate price controls further
Products requiring close monitoring, with possible future control escalation depending on circumstances, include chicken eggs, sugar, medicines, and medical supplies. The Ministry of Commerce confirms it will use all mechanisms to balance price management while seeking cooperation from all sectors to help citizens and businesses overcome the current situation.