Key goods put under strict price watchThe government will strictly control prices of 59 regulated product categories, mostly consumer goods, allowing increases only when justified and warning of tough action against violators, Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun said. Existing stock must be sold at current prices, and any unjustified increases will lead to penalties, she added. She stressed that price controls must be based on fairness and actual cost structures, warning that excessive pressure on businesses could backfire by affecting employment and supply chains. "Entrepreneurs and consumers must be able to move forward together," she said, noting that any price changes must be justified, particularly if fuel costs increase globally. A key pressure point is packaging costs, as Thailand relies heavily on plastic pellets sourced from the Middle East.

Source: Bangkok Post March 18, 2026 02:20 UTC