Thai Deputy PM Orders Price Controls On Prepared Foods
Thailand's deputy PM has ordered price controls on prepared foods after retailers raised menu prices by 5-10 baht since July, despite declining oil costs that should enable lower prices instead.
Deputy Prime Minister Supachai Suthammapant has ordered the Department of Internal Trade to implement price control measures for prepared foods. Since July 1, retailers have been gradually changing prices, with smoothie menu items increasing by 5 baht as of July 10, 2569.
On July 10, Department of Internal Trade Director-General Withayakorn Maneenet discussed price monitoring for consumer goods and prepared foods following declining oil price trends. The department has held discussions with retailers, wholesalers, and manufacturers to review product prices to align with reduced costs.
While several product categories will see price reductions and others remain unchanged, the government requested cooperation to either freeze prices or adjust them lower than previously elevated cost levels. Products like sugar and vegetable oil will not increase in price, and eggs will not see further price increases.
Oil-dependent products such as fertilizer have already dropped 20% from 1,400 baht to 1,100 baht. The government also invited modern retailers to discuss profit margins with a request not to increase them to avoid burdening small-scale operators.
"Regarding prepared food prices, Deputy PM Supachai Suthammapant has instructed relevant agencies to discuss and find supplementary measures to help traders manage expenses without excessive increases, so prices need not rise to reduce public burden. A resolution will be finalized soon," Withayakorn said.
Reporters noted that since July 1, most food and beverage shops have gradually adjusted prices, averaging 10 baht per menu item—increasing from typical 50-60 baht to 60-70 baht per dish, following earlier increases in March averaging 5-10 baht per item. Smoothie drink shops raised prices an additional 5 baht.
