The Ministry of Commerce in Thailand is intensifying nationwide price controls in response to surging global oil prices, driven by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, which are increasing production and transportation costs across various sectors.
Kanitha Kungsawanich Inspector-General and deputy spokesperson for the ministry, stated that officials are closely coordinating with provincial commerce offices to conduct daily price monitoring. This is to curb unjustified hikes, prevent hoarding, and ensure fair pricing for essential goods.
From March 1st to the 26th, 2026, the ministry’s consumer protection hotline received 410 complaints. Of these, 187 cases have been investigated so far, with over 200 still under review. Among the resolved or ongoing cases, 44 involve accusations of overpricing, where authorities have demanded cost documentation from businesses and are preparing legal enforcement if violations are confirmed.
To alleviate the burden on households amid rising living costs, the ministry is launching the “Thais Help Thais” (ไทยช่วยไทย) program, set to begin on April 1st, 2026. This program partners with major retailers, wholesalers, modern trade outlets, and suppliers to offer significant discounts, up to 50%, on non-food household items (such as soap, shampoo, detergents, dishwashing liquid, sanitary pads, and toilet paper) and up to 25% on essential food staples (including rice, cooking oil, canned goods, instant noodles, fish sauce, and seasonings). The program will run for at least two months (April–May 2026), covering all 77 provinces, including local shops and wet markets, with a focus on house brands and alternative affordable options. It also ties in with welfare card usage to maximize reach to vulnerable groups.
Additional relief measures include expanding low-price distribution channels (such as ongoing “Blue Flag” and “Green Flag Plus” schemes for fertilizers and essentials, extended potentially through August 2026) and targeted support to lower fertilizer costs for farmers, ensuring adequate stockpiles through at least May 2026.
In parallel, the Central Committee on Prices of Goods and Services (กกร.) has approved strengthening controls by expanding the list of controlled goods from 59 to 66 items, particularly household and basic consumer products. The number of items requiring prior approval before any price increase has risen from 8 to 15, now including items like toilet paper, shampoo, laundry detergent, dish soap, sanitary pads, soap, and bottled palm oil. Staples such as eggs, sugar, and others remain under strict surveillance, with mandatory advance notifications for price changes to allow better cost management and supply stability.
These steps reflect coordinated government efforts, alongside energy price stabilization measures from the Ministry of Energy, to shield consumers from imported inflation while maintaining economic stability.
Photos: Chonburi officials inspecting a Thai Oil refinery recently to ensure adequate supply of fuel.
For the original version of this article, please visit The Pattaya News.
