Nonthaburi, Director-General of the Department of Internal Trade calls a meeting. Wholesale and retail department store operators, local department stores, convenience stores and a department store selling construction materials to prepare to help people experiencing flood problems in the southern region. Emphasize that there is enough product. Absolutely do not increase the price. Mr. Wattanasak Suea-iam, Director-General of the Department of Internal Trade, revealed that following the flooding in the southern region, the worst in 50 years, especially in Yala and Narathiwat provinces, Mr. Phumtham Wechayachai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce Has ordered the Department of Internal Trade to closely monitor the situation and supervise the availability of consumer products in sufficient quantities and Do not seize the opportunity to increase product prices. The Department therefore called a meeting to discuss with wholesale and retail department store operators. Local department stores, convenience stores and stores selling construction materials to monitor the situation. From the discussion meeting, each department store confirmed that there was sufficient product and that there was absolutely no opportunity to increase product prices. The main branches of each department store in the flooded areas are still open for business as usual. Only some small branches and convenience stores in Narathiwat Province had to close for safety reasons due to electricity problems. As for transportation, it can still be carried out using large trucks. The Department has instructed all stores to prepare sufficient stock to prevent product shortages. And if there is a problem with the quantity of goods or transportation of goods, please notify the department immediately. to solve the problem quickly In addition, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce Has ordered the Department Prepare to bring cheap products to open sales points in the area after the water recedes. Especially Halal food products and essential items. Including materials and equipment for repairing and cleaning the residence. To help alleviate the suffering of the people affected by the floods. In addition to carrying out commercial projects, order to reduce product prices, New Year Mega Sale 2024, which started on 15 Dec. 2023 and continues until 15 Jan. 2024. In this regard, the Department of Internal Trade will work with the Provincial Commerce Office to supervise the posting of product price signs and strictly prevent opportunities to increase product prices. In the case of not posting price signs, there will be a fine not exceeding 10,000 baht, and in the case of selling products at an unreasonably expensive price, there will be a penalty of imprisonment not exceeding 7 years, a fine not exceeding 140,000 baht, or both. If you see behavior that is considered illegal, you can report it via the Department of Internal Trade hotline, call 1569, via the Line application @MR.DIT or the Provincial Commerce Office in every province.
Source: Thai News Agency
