Following the unrest in the Middle East, the government has instructed all relevant agencies to prepare response measures to mitigate any potential impact on the country, including profiteering.
Deputy government spokesperson Airin Phanpharit said authorities have been directed to ensure that consumer goods and essential daily necessities remain sufficiently available, while warning retailers and business operators against taking advantage of the situation by raising prices.
She stressed that traders must clearly, accurately, and fully display prices of goods and services in accordance with the law.
“The government reiterates its call for business operators to strictly comply with the Price of Goods and Services Act (1999).
“They are prohibited from exploiting the situation to increase prices of goods and services, from hoarding goods, or from engaging in any conduct that causes unfairness to consumers,” she said yesterday, warning of immediate legal action if any violations are found.
She urged the public not to panic, noting that inspections by the Commerce Ministry have confirmed that consumer goods remain adequately supplied and that there are currently no factors necessitating price increases.
“This is to safeguard the cost of living and ensure continued price fairness,” she said.
Airin also advised the public who encounter price increases, failure to display prices, or hoarding of goods to lodge complaints to the authorities for immediate investigation. — Bernama
