Commerce Ministry Ensures Supplies, Price Controls in Flood Areas
The Commerce Ministry is monitoring flood-affected areas nationwide to prevent supply shortages and price gouging, with provincial offices coordinating with businesses to ensure essential goods reach residents in need.
BANGKOK — 26 September 2026, Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Supajee Suthumpun has instructed provincial commerce offices to ensure essential goods remain available and reasonably priced in areas affected by flooding.
Supajee said on 26 September that the Commerce Ministry is closely monitoring heavy rainfall and flooding across the country and has instructed relevant agencies to prevent shortages and excessive price increases. The ministry is also coordinating with businesses to deliver essential goods and supplies to affected areas.
Provincial commerce offices nationwide have been instructed to closely monitor the supply and prices of essential goods and report on affected areas and residents' needs. This will allow the ministry to quickly coordinate assistance and direct supplies to areas where they are needed.
The ministry has previously used this approach during floods, with provincial commerce offices coordinating with wholesalers, retailers and local businesses to replenish stocks. Any transport or logistics problems requiring additional assistance are to be reported to the ministry.
Members of the public who encounter unfair prices, shortages, hoarding or businesses failing to display prices can file a complaint with the Department of Internal Trade hotline at 1569 or contact their provincial commerce office. Officials will investigate complaints and take legal action where appropriate.
