Commerce Orders Six Retail Chains to Boost Stock Amid Floods
Thailand’s Department of Internal Trade has ordered six major retail chains to increase their safety stocks to prevent shortages during ongoing floods. After inspecting distribution centres and store outlets, officials confirmed that inventories are adequate, logistics are intact and prices remain stable. The ministry also urged retailers to prepare staff plans and reopen temporarily closed branches, while monitoring weather forecasts for continued rain in the north and south.
Officials inspected the 7‑Eleven distribution centre in Bangbuathong and found that retailers had already prepared sufficient post‑flood stocks, adjusted logistics to deliver goods to affected areas and kept prices unchanged. Between 12 and 15 October 2026, they visited six major retailers — Big C, Lotus, Tops, CJ More, Lawson 108 Shop and The Mall Group (Gourmet Market) — and confirmed strong readiness to cope with the flood crisis. The Department of Internal Trade asked all outlets to increase safety stock, prepare staff‑support plans and reopen temporarily closed branches; as of 15 October 2026, 29 of the 23,668 retail and convenience stores nationwide remained shut, but owners pledged full cooperation. With the Meteorological Department forecasting continued rain in upper Thailand and heavy showers in parts of the south, the ministry urged industry associations and member companies to report any problems or assistance needs to the War Room so that inventory distribution can be swiftly adjusted and opportunistic price hikes prevented.
