Planning to repaint the walls in the kitchen. Did some research on internet and of course it is recommended to clean the surface thoroughly to remove grease and dust.

It was recommended to use something that translates to caustic lye.

I'm not sure about the English translation.

Is there any product in DIY shops available?

Sugar soap... but I doubt youll find any of that in Thailand.

 

I've had some success clearing stubborn grease with baking soda and washing up liquid.

 

Others sugest CIF kitchen cleaner which I think is available here ?

 

Last resort caustic soda or soda fai as its known here but

dont use it without proper skin and eye protection...its very very nasty stuff.

 

 

Caustic lye would be overkill.  Any of the popular kitchen/bathroom/floor cleaner will do.  Also sand/scrape any paint that has peeled/bubbled.  

Has the OP considered tiling the kitchen?  Seems affordable to tile a kitchen to the ceiling in Thailand. 100 baht per square meter for labor, tile from 79 baht per square meter, tile adhesive is not expensive and quality tile grout is 52 baht a kilo. High Quality paint is at least 2200 baht for 2.5 gallons. Sure you can buy cheaper paint, but you'll experience the joy of painting all that much sooner. 

Has the OP considered tiling the kitchen?  Seems affordable to tile a kitchen to the ceiling in Thailand. 100 baht per square meter for labor, tile from 79 baht per square meter, tile adhesive is not expensive and quality tile grout is 52 baht a kilo. High Quality paint is at least 2200 baht for 2.5 gallons. Sure you can buy cheaper paint, but you'll experience the joy of painting all that much sooner. 

It's not own property, just rent

Normal cleaners don't etch the surface like lye do, they leave the surface shiny. For maximum adherence of the new paint you need a product that matt down the old paint and create a good grip for the new. That's why caustic soda is used.

I'm assuming the walls are concrete? 

 

Good old Fab laundry detergent and a Scotchbrite pad. If Fab cleans greasy hands and motorcycles it will do a kitchen. 

 

My wife swears by some local herbal stuff I'll ask what it is. Until then Fab.

 

 

Thanks for the replies.
I'll stick to regular cleaner and scotch brite.
Probably some sand paper to make the surface rough and remove loose old paint.

I'm assuming the walls are concrete? 
 
Good old Fab laundry detergent and a Scotchbrite pad. If Fab cleans greasy hands and motorcycles it will do a kitchen. 
 
My wife swears by some local herbal stuff I'll ask what it is. Until then Fab.
 
 

Yes, concrete walls.

If walls are in good condition and clean, is it necessary to clean before painting? Just want to repaint to freshen up.

Best to clean.  The dust that endlessly layers on your furniture will also be on the wall.  Just a quick swipe with a sponge will do it.