Commerce ministry sets up ‘war room’ to fight coronavirus crisis

“The ministry wants face masks and handwash gels to be controlled products under the Price of Goods and Service Act because these products may not be sufficient for the needs of the people in the country. Fortunately, the Cabinet has already approved this proposal,” he said.
“This approval has enabled the Department of Internal Trade [DIT] under the ministry to enforce the law for increasing production to make sure that these products will be distributed thoroughly. Also, it allowed the department to inspect product stocks, including export and import as well.”

He said that an entrepreneur who wants to export more than 500 items of these controlled products must obtain permission from the DIT director-general.
“Currently, the DIT is closely monitoring retailers who violate the law. We have already arrested and filed charges against 11 retailers. If people find retailers overpricing their products, they can contact via hotline on 1569 anytime,” he said.
“For the production and distribution of products, the DIT director-general has urged 10 large manufacturers nationwide to increase production capacity to ensure sufficient stocks for Thai people throughout the country.”
He said that the DIT chief had ordered manufacturers to distribute face masks to various areas nationwide to increase distribution channels for people as soon as possible.
“The department will send 300,000 items to the Government House, 200,000 items to the Ministry of Commerce, and 500,000 items to 820 branches of Blue Flag Stores. The product will be distributed from February 11 onwards, which will be sold for another 15 days,” he said.
“On Saturday, the ministry brought face masks for sale at a reasonable price of Bt2.50 each, to cover production and transportation costs. Also, the ministry examined both the quantity and quality of products as well.”
The minister praised Thailand Post for delivering face masks to 820 Blue Flag Stores nationwide without any charges.