PUBLISHED : 23 Nov 2025 at 17:47
The Department of Internal Trade (DIT) has ordered strict monitoring of food and household supplies in flood-hit southern provinces, warning retailers not to hike prices and urging shoppers not to panic-buy.
Director-general Wittayakorn Maneenetr said on Sunday that the department had received reports of damage to crops and farmland, disrupted transport links and temporary closures at some department stores and outlets in provinces including Songkhla, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Surat Thani, Trang, Phatthalung and Pattani. The interruptions, he said, have raised the short-term risk of local shortages in affected areas.
“Some branches of supermarkets and shops have had to close or reduce services because roads are cut off or for safety reasons, though many vendors remain open as normal,” Mr Wittayakorn said. He urged residents to buy essential items gradually and not to hoard, adding that the DIT is already coordinating with manufacturers and distributors to build stocks and expedite deliveries into flooded zones as soon as routes allow.
The DIT has ordered provincial commerce offices in affected and neighbouring areas to step up inspections of retail outlets — checking that items are sold at normal prices, that price tags are clearly displayed, and that no unlawful price gouging or hoarding takes place. Violators face penalties under the Price of Goods and Services Act of 1999, the department warned.
Mr Wittayakorn admitted that transport problems may temporarily disrupt supplies of some items but said the DIT will hold immediate talks with major producers and traders to plan emergency shipments and, where necessary, reroute logistics to maintain supply flows.
The department said it will monitor the situation daily and is prepared to introduce additional measures should signs of real shortages emerge, stressing its aim is to ensure consumers can continue to buy essentials at fair prices and with minimal disruption.