Government Assures Adequate Supplies, Urges Public Not to Panic Buy
The Thai government has urged citizens not to panic buy amid global trends of 72-hour emergency stockpiling, confirming that domestic product supplies remain sufficient. Deputy Prime Minister's Office spokesperson Nattapol Laksami Sangchan stated that recent sales increases stem from flood-related purchasing, payday spending, and government stimulus programs — not solely panic buying. Authorities are monitoring prices and supply chains, and the public can report price gouging via hotline 1569.
The government is asking the public not to panic and rush to hoard food following trends abroad, confirming no signs of product shortages. It revealed that businesses and major retailers are producing and distributing goods continuously.
On November 9, 2026, Deputy Spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, Nattapol Laksami Sangchan, disclosed that following panic buying trends after several countries advised citizens to stockpile 72-hour emergency supplies, including advice on emergency bags for disaster preparedness in Thailand, the government has ordered the Department of Internal Trade and the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation to closely monitor the situation to manage sufficient goods for public demand.
According to data, consumer product sales have indeed increased due to several positive factors: stockpiling in flood-affected areas, early-month spending after salary payments, and stimulus from the state welfare card and Thai Chai Thai Plus (60/40) programs, which boosted local retail sales by about 5%. This is not solely due to panic buying.
"All operators confirm that product stocks are definitely sufficient. Distribution centers are ready to deliver directly to branches nationwide at all times, while factories are prepared to immediately increase production capacity if demand rises. Additionally, storage and freezer systems have been checked following risk reports abroad, and currently no abnormal signals have been found in Thailand," Nattapol said.
Nattapol added that the government wants citizens to prepare appropriately for disasters but there is no need to hoard goods or panic following foreign news trends. Regarding the concept of preparing an emergency bag or survival bag for 72 hours (the first 3 days), this is an international standard for disaster or emergency preparedness to care for oneself initially when aid cannot yet reach affected areas — not a signal indicating war or a product shortage crisis.
If the public finds unfair selling practices or price gouging, they can immediately report it to the Department of Internal Trade hotline 1569.
