Commerce Ministry Tightens Controls on Food and Water in Flood Zones

The Commerce Ministry has ordered provincial commerce offices in flood-affected areas to strictly monitor supplies of drinking water and food, prohibiting shortages and price gouging. Deputy Permanent Secretary Chakra Yodmanee revealed that flooding, flash floods, and landslides in Nan Province have affected over 4,500 households, particularly in Pua, Tha Wang Pha, Wiang Sa, Phu Phiang, Santi Suk, and Mueang Nan districts, while Phayao Province is also experiencing overbank flooding and flash flooding in Pong District. The situation requires continued close monitoring.

Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Supachee Sutthamnandh has expressed concern for flood-affected citizens and instructed the Department of Internal Trade and provincial commerce offices to provide comprehensive relief. Agencies are coordinating to mobilize essential goods, food, and drinking water for distribution to disaster areas. The Commerce Ministry has ordered provincial commerce offices to monitor market supplies and prices of essential consumer goods—particularly drinking water, dried food, and general provisions—ensuring adequate stock while strictly prohibiting merchants from raising prices, hoarding, or refusing to sell goods.

In other areas at risk of flash flooding and temporary flooding, including Sukhothai, Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Lampoon, Lampang, Phrae, Nan, Tak, Phetchabun, Loei, Bueng Kan, Nong Bua Lam Phu, Udon Thani, Sakon Nakhon, Nakhon Phanom, Maha Sarakham, Mukdahan, Amnat Charoen, Kanchanaburi, Nakhon Nayok, Chanthaburi, and Trat, the Commerce Ministry has ordered provincial commerce offices to monitor conditions and report continuously while standing ready to assist residents immediately if needed. Citizens who experience unfair pricing or product shortages can file complaints with the Internal Trade Department hotline at 1569 or their provincial commerce office.