Bangkok: The Ministry of Commerce is conducting extensive inspections during the New Year period, checking weighing scales, fuel dispensers, and price tags, covering airports, bus stations, and rest stops along major travel routes to build public confidence.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Witiyakorn Maneenet, Director-General of the Department of Internal Trade, revealed that the department had conducted inspections today to reassure the public during the upcoming New Year holiday period for tourism and returning to their hometowns. The department has deployed inspection teams continuously since December 1st, covering rest stops, major routes, and key travel hubs to monitor the public during the peak travel season. The inspections focus on three main areas: checking baggage weighing scales, inspecting fuel dispensers, and verifying the display of prices for goods and services.
Mr. Witiyakorn further stated that the Department of Internal Trade has inspected baggage weighing scales at Don Mueang Airport,
a major airport used by a large number of Thai and foreign passengers. A central weighing scale certified by the Weights and Measures Bureau of the Department of Internal Trade has been provided, along with conveyor belts at airline service counters. All scales are marked with a certification sticker indicating accuracy, assuring passengers that baggage weighing meets standards and is fair.
Regarding inspections of fuel dispensers, the Department of Internal Trade has inspected gas stations nationwide, focusing on stations on major routes and routes leading out of Bangkok. Today, they inspected the PTT Kitchai gas station on the outbound Phahonyothin Road, Kilometer 27, Bangkok, to confirm that fuel was dispensed in the correct quantity paid by customers and in accordance with the Department of Internal Trade’s “Standard Fuel Dispensing” project.
Mr. Witiyakorn further stated, “At the same time, the Department has been inspecting the display of prices of goods and services, as well as the sale of goods in p
laces with high public traffic, to prevent consumer exploitation. This covers Bangkok Southern Bus Terminal, Bangkok Ekkamai Bus Terminal, Bangkok Central Station (Bang Sue), Bangkok Mochit Bus Terminal, as well as rest stops on major routes departing from Bangkok, such as the Wang Noi route in Ayutthaya Province and the Bang Pakong Motorway in Chachoengsao Province.”
The inspection revealed that the businesses displayed prices of goods and services correctly and clearly. The prices of prepared food, beverages, and various services were at reasonable levels, and no instances of excessive price gouging during peak travel periods were found.
Regarding weighing and measuring instrument standards, Ms. Yanee Srimanee, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Internal Trade, stated that the department has inspected 1,079 weighing scales at 30 commercial airports nationwide, covering 29 provinces, in accordance with the Weights and Measures Act B.E. 2542 (1999). They have also inspected fuel dispensers at over
6,900 participating gas stations, representing 86% of all gas stations nationwide. She advised the public to look for the certification sticker on the fuel dispenser, which clearly indicates the expiration date, as well as the “Standard Fuel Dispenser Project” sticker, signifying continuous compliance with the law. Stations participating in the standard fuel dispensing project and passing the certification receive a blue standard fuel dispenser sticker. If a station consistently complies for six months, it will be upgraded to a silver sticker, and after two years, it will be upgraded to a gold symbol, confirming the accuracy of the fuel dispensers and building customer confidence with every refueling session.
The Director-General of the Department of Internal Trade added that he has instructed businesses to strictly comply with the law. Failure to display prices or displaying incorrect prices is punishable by a fine not exceeding 10,000 baht. Selling goods at excessively high prices, hoarding, or refusing to
sell are punishable by imprisonment for up to 7 years, a fine not exceeding 140,000 baht, or both. He emphasized that the intensified inspections during the New Year festival are aimed at monitoring prices, the accuracy of scales, and fuel dispensers to ensure that people can travel and shop with confidence.
If the public encounters unfair sales of goods or services, they can file a complaint with the Department of Internal Trade hotline at 1569 or the provincial commerce offices nationwide.