' Housewives' Hotline' To Help Stop Price Hikes

[george]

'Housewives' hotline' to help stop price hikes

BANGKOK: -- The Department of Internal Trade today called on members of the public to help prevent retailers from raising the price of consumer goods by phoning a 'housewives' hotline'.

The hotline has been set up amid fears that recent rises in the prices of fuel could lead unscrupulous manufacturers and retailers to hike the costs of their products despite a government ban.

Mr. Siripol Yodmuangcharoen, the department's Director-General, today conceded that prices were in a state of flux, but said that the department was sending out teams of price inspectors to ensure that consumers were treated fairly.

As part of the inspection scheme, the department is calling on ordinary members of the public to form networks of volunteer inspectors who can report their findings to department officials.

By phoning the 'housewives' hotline' on 1569, these volunteer inspectors can offer information on companies suspected of violating the government's price rise ban.

Mr. Siripol appealed for more members of the public to sign up to the scheme, saying that public participation would facilitate the department's work and ensure that wrongdoers were brought to book.

Members of the networks are being offered the incentive of cash prizes worth 30 percent of the fine levied on the retailers if they come up with relevant information.

--TNA 2005-06-10