During the transition period ahead of the formation of a new government, the Commerce Ministry has pledged to stay vigilant in monitoring and controlling the domestic prices of goods and services to prevent any impact on consumers.
According to Wattanasak Sur-iam, director-general of the Internal Trade Department, the agency continues to monitor the prices of goods, raw materials, and other factors that affect costs, such as oil and electricity prices.
Mr Wattanasak said the department has engaged in thorough discussions with business operators to track production and trade trends, while promoting cooperation to maintain prices to minimise the impact on consumers.
If the cost of manufacturing a specific product decreases, the department is ready to request entrepreneurs reduce the price accordingly, he said.
For example, palm oil prices fell sharply in line with a reduction in production costs and a higher supply level, said Mr Wattanasak.
For products that face rising costs, such as animal feed, the department sought the cooperation of business operators to stabilise prices as the production costs of several raw materials have already decreased.
"Various measures implemented by the ministry to control prices remain in place as the department does not permit price increases for any products, particularly those vital to livelihoods," he said.
In terms of the current situation, fresh food prices are stable. For example, the average price of pork is 140-145 baht per kilogramme, while chicken eggs (size 3) cost 4 baht per egg on average.
The prices of some vegetables have risen because of recent hot weather, resulting in reduced market supplies.
Goranij Nonejuie, deputy director-general of the department, said the prices of agricultural products remain high, including rice, cassava and maize.
With the fruit season coming to an end in the eastern region, prices remained favourable throughout the season, he said.
As the fruit season in the southern region is about to begin, the department has prepared measures to ensure reasonable prices and stimulate consumption among both locals and tourists.
Special campaigns promote fruit consumption are scheduled for June in Pattaya as well as at Central EastVille, Central Westgate and Iconsiam malls in Bangkok, said Mr Goranij.
