BANGKOK, Thailand – The Ministry of Commerce is assisting flood-affected residents in the southern provinces, including by providing essential goods and supporting livelihood recovery initiatives. Minister of Commerce Suphajee Suthumpun stated that the Ministry has prioritized the delivery of urgently needed consumer goods, including cooking ingredients, household cleaning supplies, repair tools, and electrical equipment, to ensure that affected communities can resume daily life as quickly as possible.
The Ministry has also coordinated with local and retail chains in Bangkok to reduce prices on consumer goods. These items will be made available at temporary sales points in front of participating department stores. The Department of Internal Trade will closely monitor pricing and supply to prevent product shortages and ensure that goods remain accessible throughout the recovery period.
In the next phase of rehabilitation, the Ministry will organize Blue Flag Fairs across ten southern provinces, offering essential items at reduced prices based on demand identified by provincial commerce offices. The initiative will be carried out in cooperation with private-sector partners and manufacturers to ensure broad product availability and additional price reductions. Online channels will remain available for business operators seeking documentation, applications, or advisory services to support their recovery.
Mobile Blue Flag units will also be deployed to various communities to ensure comprehensive coverage. In parallel, the Department of Business Development will introduce high-potential franchise operators to the affected provinces. This effort aims to help small business owners to restart operations, explore new business opportunities, and regain income stability as part of broader economic rehabilitation. (NNT)
