Watch, strong baht 'to keep prices in check'
Play
The Commerce Ministry's Internal Trade Department has reassured consumers that goods prices will be kept under control and should not change much this year, as the stronger baht has lowered the cost of raw materials amid stringent price-monitoring measur
After inspecting Bangkok’s Mo Chit 2 Bus Terminal yesterday, Viboonlaksana Ruamraksa, director-general of the department, said prices of most consumer goods and foods would be controlled this year to ensure that inflation is stable.
“The department will continue to hold down goods prices this year. Enterprises should not increase prices during high demand as they could face charges of unfair trade practice,” Viboonlaksana said.
To ensure consumers are treated fairly during the upcoming Songkran Festival, the department has sent teams to inspect prices in hot spots such as bus terminals and train stations nationwide.
Viboonlaksana said retailers and food traders should not overcharge consumers or else they could be charged under the Price of Goods and Services Act.
Under the law, traders found to have overcharged consumers could face seven years in jail and/or Bt140,000 fines.
If traders have not labelled their prices clearly, they could subject to a maximum Bt10,000 fine.
Wuthichart Kalyanamitra, president of The Transport Company, said the price of bus tickets and fuel during the peak travelling season should not increase.
He reaffirmed that buses should be able to serve the high demand during the upcoming long weekend.
The company will provide up to 7,000 bus trips daily, higher than the normal number of about 4,000. The buses should be able to serve about 200,000-250,000 passengers a day.
