Department Of Internal Trade To Watch Out For Overpricing Of Goods

[Jai Dee]

Mr. Somkid orders Department of Internal Trade to watch out for overpricing of goods

The Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister, Dr. Somkid Jatusripitak (สมคิด จาตุศรีพิทักษ), has ordered the Department of Internal Trade to toughen up on the price control measures and to remove some items from the price control list.

Dr. Somkid revealed that the measures being used to control the price of consumer goods during this period of rising oil prices, would involve close monitoring by the ministry to ensure that merchants do not seek the opportunity to increase the prices of products during the present oil crisis. He ordered the Department of Internal Trade to evaluate goods which are non-essential to human survival and to remove them from the price control list, in order to lend some flexibility to the situation.

The Finance Minister added that his ministry will coordinate with the Ministry of Energy to keep utility fees at a minimum.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 18 April 2006

[Jai Dee]

Internal Trade Dept. says price increases of products affect inflation

The Department of Internal Trade has admitted that the price increases of certain products have affected the inflation situation. However, the department has affirmed that it will try not to let this circumstance has a serious effect on the final consumers.

Mr. Siripol Yodmuangcharoen (ศิริพล ยอดเมืองเจริญ), the Internal Trade Department Director-General, said the prices of some items such as pork has been raised by one baht, but the department is always in control of the situation. The adjustments of various product prices are normal, and the department is closely studying the mechanisms that are causing such changes. Some of the mechanisms include the management of farms, fodders and wages of laborers. As for the price increase of pork products, the department already has a criterion to control the situation. Currently, pork products are priced at 48 to 52 baht. Nevertheless, the department is closely keeping a close eye on the situation, with the equilibrium of the supply and demand in mind. Thus, the actual prices would reflect the cost prices.

Concerning the inflation rate in Thailand, the Director-General added that it is deemed normal to try to properly manage the product prices and the inflation rate. The Internal Trade Department also has other plans to deal with this situation such as the Blue Flag Market, to relieve the final consumers’ burden.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 18 April 2006

[Jai Dee]

Acting PM confirms that he will not use his authority to fix fuel prices

Acting Prime Minister Chitchai Wannasathit (ชิดชัย วรรณสถิตย์) has confirmed that he will not use his political authority to fix the fuel prices as such action will cause negative consequences.

As for the current oil price crisis and the floatation of baht currency, Pol. Gen. Chitchai said that the government is trying to bear these burdens. Besides, the government is attempting to fix the fares of public buses, while PTT is using marketing mechanism to help peg the fuel prices.

The Acting Prime Minister, however, has requested Thai people to help reduce energy consumption.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 18 April 2006

[cclub75]

The Department of Internal Trade has admitted that the price increases of certain products have affected the inflation situation. However, the department has affirmed that it will try not to let this circumstance has a serious effect on the final consumers.

Is the thai government paying thoses guys ? I'm really shocked by such a profound statement : prices increase = inflation increase.

[Jai Dee]

Government to find ways to assist people affected by the high fuel prices

Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Somkid Jatusripitak(สมคิด จาตุศรีพิทักษ์) admitted that the oil prices issues are intense since it is not controllable. He said that government is finding measures to assist general public affected by the high prices of fuel.

Mr. Somkid said that his ministry in cooperation with Energy Ministry will monitor the fuel prices which have constantly increased. He admitted that the current fuel situation is intense and unusual.

He indicated that all related agencies have to work together for better preparation. He revealed that he has discussed with Transport Minister to look after the transportation fees as to alleviate the troubles of general public and will also hold a meeting with the oil traders on this Friday (21/04/06).

The cabinet meeting today has also discussed the measures for saving energy consumption as well.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 18 April 2006