Phuket warns businesses against overcharging US Navy personnel
Commerce officials are checking prices in Patong during a US Navy visit expected to bring more than 5,000 personnel to Phuket.
Phuket commerce officials have warned businesses not to overcharge US Navy personnel and other tourists during a naval visit running from 4 to 9 October.
Phuket Provincial Commerce Officer Woranit Apiratjirawong ordered inspections of businesses in Patong Beach to monitor prices during the visit. More than 5,000 US Navy personnel are in Phuket aboard the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush and destroyer USS Delbert D. Black, which are docked at Phuket Deep Sea Port.
The USS George H.W. Bush has about 4,800 personnel aboard. Phuket tourism authorities estimate that the visit could generate spending of about B30 million per day.
The Phuket Provincial Office of Commercial Affairs reminded operators that prices for goods and services must be clearly displayed before customers make purchases. Businesses were also warned against unjustified price increases and other unfair trading practices.
Failure to display prices can result in a fine of up to B10,000, while unjustified price increases and other unfair trading practices can carry penalties of up to seven years in prison, a fine of up to B140,000, or both, according to the Commerce Office.
Officials said monitoring would continue during the naval visit. Members of the public and tourists can report businesses that fail to display prices or allegedly charge unfair prices to the Department of Internal Trade hotline at 1569.
