BANGKOK, Thailand – The Department of Internal Trade (DIT) has held discussions with nine major consumer goods manufacturers to assess the impact of the situation in the Middle East on production costs, particularly packaging, and to prepare for stricter legal controls on essential goods, if necessary.
DIT Director-General Wittayakorn Maneenetr stated that leading companies, including Unilever, Saha Group, P&G, Neo, Osotspa, BJC, F&N, Nestlé, and Dutch Mill, have confirmed that product stocks are sufficient and prices will be maintained at least through April.
The Ministry of Commerce is working with relevant agencies to address concerns about raw materials and packaging inputs, such as plastic resins, sulfur, and solvents, which may face supply constraints due to transport disruptions. Efforts include streamlining procedures, securing alternative supply sources, and engaging with South Korea to ease export restrictions on key materials.
To protect consumers, DIT is preparing to strengthen enforcement under the Price of Goods and Services Act B.E. 2542 (1999). Six essential product categories, including tissue paper, shampoo, detergents, dishwashing liquid, sanitary products, and soap, may be reclassified to require prior approval before any price increases.
The Department is intensifying inspections under weights and measures laws, particularly for cooking gas packaging, and is reviewing warehouse and storage facility regulations to require operators to declare stock levels. These measures aim to prevent hoarding, ensure transparency, and maintain adequate supply.
DIT reaffirmed that it will closely monitor the situation and take immediate action against unjustified price increases. People are encouraged to report irregularities via the DIT hotline 1569. (NNT)
