Commerce Ministry's Internal Trade Department has sought cooperation from businesses by freezing the prices of their goods, ahead of the possible increase in the minimum wage, and has ordered the opening of more outlets in 11 provinces to sell vegetables.
The department head, Wattanasak Sua-iam, said that wages are just one element in the production cost of many items. They also include electricity, management costs and raw materials. As such, an increase in the minimum wage, to 400 baht/day, should not have a significant affect on the prices of goods.
He claimed that businesses have cooperated well with the department, because they want to sell as many of their goods as possible, instead of focusing on making excessive profits.
He also said that the department has been closely monitoring the impacts of flooding on the supply of vegetables, especially where they are grown in Phetchabun, Nakhon Ratchasima and Khon Kaen, and discovered that only some areas were affected by flooding and only on a temporary basis.
Unless there is more heavy rain, he assured that any shortage of vegetables will ease.
Wattanasak has also ordered the opening of 22 more outlets in 11 provinces, from which consumers can buy vegetables at reasonable prices, especially during the upcoming vegetarian festival.
