Supachai clarified that the 40-baht curry rice initiative is only a concept aimed at easing living costs, with ongoing efforts to determine an appropriate price. She countered the opposition's attack claiming a 30-baht price already exists, asking why there are still calls for support if that were true, and said the ministry would welcome such options if they do exist. Tags: [Supachai, curry rice price, cost of living, political debate, opposition criticism]
On 14 July 2026 at the Government House, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce Supachai Suthumpan addressed the controversy over the 40-baht curry rice proposal. She said the Ministry of Commerce aims to help citizens during this crisis period. Normally, curry rice costs come from many sources beyond fuel, such as rent, ingredients, cooking gas, and labor, leading to significant costs. The ministry can manage ingredient costs through the Thai Help Thai project launched on 1 April, which controls ingredient prices and offers special-priced goods continuously. The Department of Internal Trade focuses on reducing raw material costs. The ministry is exploring additional programs to ease citizens' burdens, considering over 200,000 registered shops in the Thai Help Thai Plus program. If registered shops prepare affordable curry rice, the government can support by reducing other uncontrollable costs, allowing shops to offer menu options at around 40 baht, a figure discussed but not final. After media coverage, the ministry received mixed feedback and plans to review the proposal to find an appropriate solution. Currently, there is no agenda to present this to the Cabinet. She emphasized that differing opinions must be heard and that this remains only a concept.Tags: [Deputy Prime Minister, Ministry of Commerce, curry rice, cost control, Thai Help Thai project]
"Yesterday, we witnessed another clash between the US and Iran, and on the same day, oil prices surged while gold prices fell. This shows ongoing volatility and crises. The Ministry of Commerce strives to manage the cost of living for all groups as much as possible. Those who may not value the curry rice issue or see it as unnecessary should be understood and heard, but there are also groups with real needs. Our duty is to find projects that can address all concerns comprehensively. Curry rice prices involve many cost factors, primarily ingredients, but other ministries must also assist. What we can do is have the Department of Internal Trade oversee ingredient management," she said.Tags: [international conflict, oil prices, cost of living, Ministry of Commerce, commodity prices]
Regarding the opposition's attack claiming 30-baht curry rice already exists, Supachai asked the media, "If it exists, where is it?"Tags: [opposition criticism, curry rice price, Supachai question]
"If it does exist, that would be welcome and a good option, but I find it strange that there are still calls for the Ministry of Commerce to intervene. The demand states that despite falling energy prices, curry rice prices have not decreased, so help is needed because some people eat curry rice daily. We have explained that curry rice prices involve many factors," she said.Tags: [curry rice price, public demand, energy prices, Ministry of Commerce explanation]