The government confirms no signs of product shortages and urges the public not to panic buy following international news reports. It has ordered close monitoring of the panic buying situation and emphasized that businesses and major retailers continue producing and distributing products continuously.
On 9 Nov 2026 GMT+7, Ms. Ploytale Laksameesaengchan, Deputy Spokesperson of the Prime Minister's Office, stated that in response to panic buying trends after several countries advised citizens to stockpile 72-hour supplies and prepare emergency bags for flood response in Thailand, the government has directed the Department of Internal Trade and the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation to closely monitor the situation to manage product supply to meet public demand.
Data shows that consumer goods sales have genuinely risen due to multiple positive factors: stockpiling in flood-affected areas, early-month shopping after salary payments, and boosted purchases through welfare card programs and the “Thai Help Thai Plus (60/40)” initiative, which increased local store sales by about 5%. This rise is not solely due to panic buying.
"All operators unanimously confirm that product stocks are certainly sufficient," Ms. Ploytale emphasized. "Distribution centers are ready to deliver to branches nationwide at all times, while manufacturers stand ready to increase production immediately if demand rises. Additionally, we have inspected storage systems and refrigeration units following risk reports abroad, and currently, no abnormalities have been detected in Thailand."
The government advises the public to prepare for disasters appropriately but not to hoard products or panic due to foreign news. The idea of preparing a 72-hour emergency bag, or 'survival bag,' is an international standard for disaster or emergency readiness, enabling individuals to care for themselves initially when help has not yet arrived. It is not a sign of war or product shortage crises. If the public observes unfair sales or price gouging, they can report it immediately via the Department of Internal Trade hotline at 1569.