The Department of Internal Trade (DIT) was instructed by Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun to ensure that there are sufficient consumer goods for distribution to retail outlets and that there is no price gouging.
The commerce minister visited a CP All goods distribution centre and was assured that there is no shortage of consumer goods and goods are being distributed to convenience stores throughout the country.
Multiple convenience stores which were closed during heavy flooding are now returning to normal operations.
Suphajee said that she has also instructed the DIT to check the stocks and distribution of consumer goods by other distributors.
In areas where floodwater has receded, she said she instructed internal trade officials to coordinate with the distributors to increase their goods storage for distribution in response to public demand.
She said the Commerce Ministry has adopted a single command approach, which has enabled the ministry to assess the situation and the needs of the people in each area.
Moreover, the DIT has set up a ‘War Room’, headed by the director-general, to coordinate with retailers, producers and agencies concerned to manage supplies needed in each area.
The commerce minister urged businesses not to overcharge consumers and advised consumers to call the 1569 Hotline to report price gouging by retailers.
Violators may face seven years in prison or a fine of 140,000 baht or both if convicted.
