Thailand’s government has warned of a national shortage of black clothing, which is flying off shelves as a distraught nation mourns beloved late King Bhumibol Adulyadej. The commerce ministry also said it would work with manufacturers to ensure a stable supply of mourning wear while threatening stiff punishments for price-gouging by merchants. The directives have raised some concern the economy would suffer, but sales of black clothing, at least, are booming. Thai king Bhumibol Adulyadej dies after 70-year reign Read moreSince the king’s death, black clothing was being sold at double the normal price in some cases, Nuntawan said. Bhumibol was the only king most Thais have ever known, a father figure with an image of moral rectitude whose loss has profoundly touched millions in the country.

Source: The Guardian October 15, 2016 04:41 UTC