Department of Internal Trade Conducts Strict Inspections of Gold Shops Nationwide

The Department of Internal Trade has dispatched officials to comprehensively inspect gold shops nationwide, examining the precision of weighing scales and price tags, with a clear warning that legal violations will be prosecuted. Ms. Yanee Srimani, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Internal Trade, revealed that due to high volatility and continuous decline in global gold prices, many people have been buying gold for storage and speculation. As a result, the department ordered the Weights and Measures Division to coordinate with provincial commerce offices to inspect gold shops selling both gold bars and gold jewelry. Initial inspection results showed that after deploying staff from 15 centers and branch offices to check 105 establishments, most gold shops were compliant with the law and displayed product labels and prices clearly. However, among 132 digital scales checked, one scale in Udon Thani province was found to have measurement errors exceeding legal limits, which was immediately sealed and prohibited from use. Ms. Yanee emphasized that businesses must ensure their scales are in perfect condition and certified by the Department of Internal Trade. Those found using inaccurate or tampered scales can face maximum penalties of up to 7 years in prison or a fine of 280,000 baht, or both. Failure to display price tags can result in fines up to 10,000 baht. The department advises consumers to always check scales before transactions, ensuring they have certification stickers. If consumers encounter shops without price tags or suspect inaccurate scales, they can report issues to the department's hotline 1569 or local provincial commerce offices.