Commerce Ministry Cracks Down on Price Gouging During Floods

Thailand's Department of Internal Trade has received over 1,500 consumer complaints through its hotline 1569 alleging price gouging and unfair trading practices in Bangkok during the recent floods. Items with reported complaints include eggs, curry, ready-made meals, fresh vegetables, pork, boxed rice, sand, drinking water, milk, canned coconut cream, and 3-in-1 COVID-19 rapid test kits. The department has also received inquiries about tow truck and slide truck service charges, as flooding in many areas has forced residents to seek these services to relocate vehicles.

Heavy rains and widespread flooding have restricted residents' movement and reduced their shopping options, forcing many to buy from nearby stores or accessible areas. Motorists dealing with flooded vehicles may need to hire tow and slide truck services to move their cars to safety.

Department Director Withayakorn Manikadet has ordered internal trade inspectors to conduct strict field investigations, particularly in areas reporting above-normal pricing. Officials will verify price displays and ensure charges match advertised rates, and will monitor tow truck and slide truck service costs to prevent exploitation of flood-affected residents.

Officials will inspect whether prices are clearly displayed and whether goods and services are sold at the advertised rates. If businesses fail to display prices, charge more than advertised, or engage in price gouging, the department will take immediate legal action.

Withayakorn urged all retailers, service operators, and online sellers to comply strictly with pricing laws by charging rates that match their displayed prices for both in-store and online sales. Charging above advertised prices or engaging in price gouging may constitute a legal violation, and the department will investigate thoroughly and enforce the law rigorously.

Between September 26–28, 2024, the Department of Internal Trade received 14 formal complaints during the flooding crisis and is currently investigating them.

Members of the public who observe unfair practices—such as missing price labels, mismatched prices, or suspected price gouging—can report them to the Department of Internal Trade hotline 1569 for investigation and legal action.