File photo for reference only

 

In a decisive move to ensure transparency, the Department of Internal Trade (DIT) has mandated that restaurants across Thailand adhere to clear pricing guidelines. Non-compliance could result in fines reaching up to 10,000 baht.

 

The directive comes under the Central Committee on the Price of Goods and Services Notification No. 68, issued in accordance with the Price of Goods and Services Act 1999. This initiative aims to eliminate misunderstandings and streamline the customer experience by requiring restaurants to display prices in a clear, comprehensive manner.

 

The DIT’s announcement lays out specific criteria for how prices should be displayed:

 

• Prices must be clearly visible, whether written or printed on any material.
• Each item must display a per-unit price using Arabic numerals. Additional languages are allowed alongside the Thai text.
• Menus must include item names in Thai, with translations into other languages as an option.
• Any extra charges, such as service fees or VAT, need to be conspicuously listed next to the base price, ensuring these are fully understood by the customer before any purchase is made.
• The displayed prices must match the actual selling prices, except when the actual price is lower.

 

Restaurants that fail to comply with these price display regulations risk facing fines of up to 10,000 baht. This penalty is stipulated under Section 40 of the Price of Goods and Services Act 1999, highlighting the government's commitment to enforcement.

 

This move is designed to empower consumers, allowing them to make informed decisions by comparing costs easily. For businesses, particularly restaurants, it serves as a compelling reminder of the importance of transparency and accuracy in pricing.

 

As the initiative rolls out nationwide, the challenge will lie in ensuring all establishments, from small local eateries to large chain restaurants, understand and implement these regulations effectively. The DIT’s announcement might prompt a wave of updates as restaurant owners strive to avoid penalties.

 

For the dining public, this regulatory push represents a welcome change, promising enhanced clarity and fairness. Customers can expect fewer disputes over billing discrepancies, fostering a trustful environment between diners and restaurateurs.

 

The focus now shifts to the compliance period. It remains to be seen how swiftly and efficiently restaurants will adapt to these stipulations. However, the government's stern approach underscores its dedication to protecting consumer rights and fostering a transparent market environment.

 

In conclusion, this decisive step by the DIT, backed by the potential for hefty fines, underscores a broader strategy to uphold standards and build consumer trust within Thailand’s vibrant dining scene. As the landscape shifts, both businesses and customers stand to gain from a fairer, clearer approach to pricing.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Nation 2025-08-19

 

On the pic the prices are included Vat and service charge....as it should be... No surprises when you get the bill...and as customer you never have to give a tip anymore as it is in the service charge already

What are they serving vegetarians with 

51 minutes ago, chawbdurian said:

What are they serving vegetarians with 

 

Probably with a side of sticky rice, although personally I find the meat a bit tough 🤣

I still see a few restaurants that don't have prices on their menus.

The priceis not indicative of the size of the meal you get.Shrinkage has well and truly set in with serves getting smaller and smaller.

16 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Non-compliance could result in fines reaching up to 10,000 baht.

Should read "WILL" if they mean it.

There is a fine Italian restaurant at Silom where the manu card for the ladies don't have prices. Only the menu card given to the male guest has prices.

The idea 💡 is that the lady chose her food without the slightest concern of what the cost might be, the gentleman always pays 💰  💸 😉  .

35 minutes ago, Paul Henry said:

The priceis not indicative of the size of the meal you get.Shrinkage has well and truly set in with serves getting smaller and smaller.

 

Indeed, at one of my local somtam shops, the prices have remained unchanged over the years, yet my bill keeps increasing since we now order more - portions are much smaller than even a few years ago.

31 minutes ago, ExpatOilWorker said:

There is a fine Italian restaurant at Silom where the manu card for the ladies don't have prices. Only the menu card given to the male guest has prices.

The idea 💡 is that the lady chose her food without the slightest concern of what the cost might be, the gentleman always pays 💰  💸 😉  .

I like this 😉😉

As Ray Charles said: I'd like to see that.

18 hours ago, ikke1959 said:

On the pic the prices are included Vat and service charge....as it should be... No surprises when you get the bill...and as customer you never have to give a tip anymore as it is in the service charge already

Tip is optional. You enjoy the service and the food, you may tip. You don't enjoy or it's average, don't tip. 

But it's not included. Thailand is not the USA. 

This was mandated 26 years ago but now it's a new initiative?

1 hour ago, Travel Dude said:

Tip is optional. You enjoy the service and the food, you may tip. You don't enjoy or it's average, don't tip. 

But it's not included. Thailand is not the USA. 

It's starting to be included automatically on the bill.  Saw it this month in Pattaya.  Was annoyed so didn't tip the staff.  I guess they will get none.  Feel sorry about that.

4 minutes ago, SportRider said:

It's starting to be included automatically on the bill.  Saw it this month in Pattaya.  Was annoyed so didn't tip the staff.  I guess they will get none.  Feel sorry about that.

Is that 1 or 2 restaurants, or most now?

Does this apply to the Karaoke Bars too ??🦵🫴

When I see no prices listed I just move on - "if you have to ask, you can't afford it". I always assume that it's because they know their prices are not competitive.

Menus should include item names in Thai — it helps people learning the language, and it’s only natural for Thai people to expect menus in their own language in their own country

16 hours ago, rwill said:

I still see a few restaurants that don't have prices on their menus.

 

Get up and leave without ordering before you get a nasty surprise!!!

So far so good dealing with restaurants but what about other direct suppliers. I am thinking about airlines that advertise their flights at very attractive prices but don't mention the costs of the add on bits until you try making a booking.

I wonder if this as anything to do with the Michlin Star restaurant that charged over 4000 Baht for a crab omelet, when it actually stated 1400 Baht on the menu.   

On 8/19/2025 at 4:41 PM, snoop1130 said:

File photo for reference only

 

In a decisive move to ensure transparency, the Department of Internal Trade (DIT) has mandated that restaurants across Thailand adhere to clear pricing guidelines. Non-compliance could result in fines reaching up to 10,000 baht.

 

The directive comes under the Central Committee on the Price of Goods and Services Notification No. 68, issued in accordance with the Price of Goods and Services Act 1999. This initiative aims to eliminate misunderstandings and streamline the customer experience by requiring restaurants to display prices in a clear, comprehensive manner.

 

The DIT’s announcement lays out specific criteria for how prices should be displayed:

 

• Prices must be clearly visible, whether written or printed on any material.
• Each item must display a per-unit price using Arabic numerals. Additional languages are allowed alongside the Thai text.
• Menus must include item names in Thai, with translations into other languages as an option.
• Any extra charges, such as service fees or VAT, need to be conspicuously listed next to the base price, ensuring these are fully understood by the customer before any purchase is made.
• The displayed prices must match the actual selling prices, except when the actual price is lower.

 

Restaurants that fail to comply with these price display regulations risk facing fines of up to 10,000 baht. This penalty is stipulated under Section 40 of the Price of Goods and Services Act 1999, highlighting the government's commitment to enforcement.

 

This move is designed to empower consumers, allowing them to make informed decisions by comparing costs easily. For businesses, particularly restaurants, it serves as a compelling reminder of the importance of transparency and accuracy in pricing.

 

As the initiative rolls out nationwide, the challenge will lie in ensuring all establishments, from small local eateries to large chain restaurants, understand and implement these regulations effectively. The DIT’s announcement might prompt a wave of updates as restaurant owners strive to avoid penalties.

 

For the dining public, this regulatory push represents a welcome change, promising enhanced clarity and fairness. Customers can expect fewer disputes over billing discrepancies, fostering a trustful environment between diners and restaurateurs.

 

The focus now shifts to the compliance period. It remains to be seen how swiftly and efficiently restaurants will adapt to these stipulations. However, the government's stern approach underscores its dedication to protecting consumer rights and fostering a transparent market environment.

 

In conclusion, this decisive step by the DIT, backed by the potential for hefty fines, underscores a broader strategy to uphold standards and build consumer trust within Thailand’s vibrant dining scene. As the landscape shifts, both businesses and customers stand to gain from a fairer, clearer approach to pricing.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Nation 2025-08-19

 

Does that mean the majority of restaurants in say Bangkok will get fined if they persist with the small print which says about 17% of the advertised amount will be added on to the  main bill?

Or will this be just another 24hour crackdown?

What happens when you have a Thai priced menu, and a farang priced menu? I must admit not seen that for a long time,