Ministry checks prices of goods in flooded areas

With growing concern that the devastating flooding in a vast areas of the southern region could be exploited by some unscrupulous traders to either hoard or raise prices of goods, the Ministry of Commerce has sent out officials to check at various markets to ensure no exploitation.

The checks on consumer goods in the southern provinces found that no food shortages and prices remained within specified levels, with only minimal increase for certain goods.

According to Ms Wibunlak Ruamrak, the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Commerce, officials from the Internal Trade Department has been making daily checks on retailers and wholesalers in the flood-hit southern provinces to ensure the people that there was an adequate supply of consumer goods.

She said even though many roads have been cut off by flood waters rendering them inaccessible to small vehicles, large delivery trucks are able to make their way through to markets.

In addition, she said the large amounts of donated goods from the public helping to bolster supplies, and ease the situation.

As for prices of consumer goods, some rise has been noted such as prices of vegetables but this is an unavoidable consequence of the floods.

Ms Wibunlak assured that there was no cause for concern as the ministry was closely monitoring the situation and is coordinating with consumer goods suppliers to focus on providing vital goods at discounted prices.

Thai PBS

Stay updated with Samui Times by following us on Facebook.