PATTAYA, Thailand – Thailand’s Department of Internal Trade (DIT) has ordered a nationwide inspection of gold shops to ensure the accuracy of weighing scales and the clear display of prices, as volatile gold prices trigger heavy buying and selling across the country, including Pattaya.
Ms. Yanee Srimanee, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Internal Trade, said global gold prices have remained highly volatile and have continued to decline, prompting many consumers to buy gold for savings and speculation. In response, Mr. Wittayakorn Maneenet, Director-General of the DIT, instructed the Weights and Measures Division to coordinate with provincial commerce offices nationwide to intensify inspections of gold retailers selling both bullion and gold jewelry.
The inspections focus on verifying the accuracy of digital weighing scales and ensuring that gold prices are clearly displayed to protect consumers and maintain fair trading practices.
Preliminary inspection results from coordinated operations by central and regional weights and measures offices at 15 locations nationwide show that most gold shops are complying with the law, with proper labeling and clear price displays. A total of 105 establishments were inspected.
However, out of 132 digital weighing scales checked, one scale in Udon Thani province was found to exceed the legally permitted margin of error. Officials immediately issued a prohibition notice and initiated legal proceedings.
Ms. Yanee stressed that operators must ensure weighing scales remain in proper condition and are regularly certified by the Department of Internal Trade. The use of inaccurate or tampered scales carries a maximum penalty of up to seven years’ imprisonment, a fine of up to 280,000 baht, or both. Failure to display prices clearly is punishable by a fine of up to 10,000 baht.
The Department also advised consumers—whether in Bangkok, Pattaya, or other provinces—to check weighing scales carefully before conducting any gold transactions. Certified scales must display an official inspection sticker from the Department of Internal Trade. If a gold shop fails to display prices or if a scale is suspected to be inaccurate, the public can report the issue via the hotline 1569 or at provincial commerce offices nationwide for prompt consumer protection.
