BANGKOK, Thailand – The Department of Internal Trade (DIT) is rolling out more than 1,200 Blue Flag events nationwide this year to help ease living costs and stabilize consumer prices. Since October 2025, more than 430 events have already been organized in both large and small formats across the country, providing discounted essential goods and expanding distribution channels, including along border trade routes and into Bangkok.
The Blue Flag network now includes over 5,300 low-cost food outlets offering affordable meals, supported with raw materials to keep prices down, with further expansion planned. More than 168,000 Blue Flag retail shops nationwide are participating, serving over 13 million State Welfare Card holders. Authorities are also working with fresh, wholesale, and retail markets to establish standardized “Star Markets” to reduce price disparities and minimize consumer confusion.
Additional campaigns are planned during peak spending periods, including a back-to-school promotion in April and fruit consumption drives to absorb surplus produce, supporting farmers while offering lower-priced goods to consumers.
To further assist agricultural producers, the DIT is continuing the Green Flag program, which provides low-cost fertilizers in cooperation with the Department of Lands. The program includes guidance on proper fertilizer use based on soil conditions and crop types, helping reduce production expenses and improve long-term farm productivity. (NNT)
