Commerce Ministry Connects Fruit to Consumers, Pushes 'Thais Help Thais' to Ease Cost of Living
Thailand's Commerce Ministry is rolling out the 'Thais Help Thais' program offering discounted essential goods and fresh produce at over 50% off to ease living costs while supporting farmers and small businesses nationwide.
The Commerce Ministry is implementing the 'Thais Help Thais' program to ease the burden on consumers' wallets, with Deputy Commerce Minister Chakra Yotmani inspecting operations in Khon Kaen Province. Vendors are selling essential goods at discounted prices, with reductions exceeding 50%, while also offering community and SME products, fruits, and agricultural goods from both local and other regions, including durian from Rayong and Chanthaburi, Nam Doc Mai and green mangoes, kim choo guavas, and Nong Bua sticky corn. The program aligns with government policy under Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Supachee Suthammapun's initiative to support living costs while generating income for small businesses, SMEs, and farmers. Sales at all 26 district offices across Khon Kaen Province occur every Friday, with three previous events on May 1, 8, and 15 generating impressive sales of over 2.31 million baht, including 1.24 million baht in essential goods that saved consumers 521,000 baht and 1.06 million baht in community and SME products. Post offices also distribute goods daily and serve as collection points for mobile shops carrying 'Thais Help Thais' products like rice, cooking oil, instant noodles, canned fish, and detergent to reach people with limited mobility or in remote areas. Currently, approximately 3,800 mobile shop trucks nationwide participate in the program, with this week marking the first distribution of fuel coupons to qualifying vendors. The ministry also surveyed market conditions at Kiat Sin Wholesale in Ban Phai District and coordinated the supply of mangosteen and durian from Chanthaburi to Khon Kaen consumers, with about 3 tons each arriving this week, helping farmers access fair-priced distribution channels while providing quality fruit directly from producers. Additional sales are scheduled for Friday, May 29, 2569, across district offices nationwide, while postal outlets and mobile shops continue operating regularly.
