Thailand Tightens Price Controls and Provides Relief Measures Due to Rising Costs of Fuel Prices

Thailand’s Ministry of Commerce has tightened price controls and announced new relief measures in Phuket and nationwide as rising global fuel prices drive up living costs, officials said on March 27. The ministry is intensifying daily price monitoring and enforcement, while launching the “Thais Help Thais” program to provide discounts on essential goods starting April 1.

Expanded Enforcement and Consumer Complaints

Officials are coordinating with provincial commerce offices to monitor prices and prevent unjustified hikes, hoarding, and unfair practices. Between March 1 and 26, the ministry’s consumer protection hotline received 410 complaints, with 187 cases investigated and over 200 still under review. Of the reported cases, 44 involve allegations of overpricing, prompting authorities to demand cost documentation from businesses and prepare legal action if violations are found.

Relief Programs and Broader Price Controls

The “Thais Help Thais” program, running through April and May 2026 in all 77 provinces, will offer discounts up to 50% on non-food household items and up to 25% on food staples through partnerships with major retailers, local shops, and wet markets. The initiative will also integrate welfare card usage to reach vulnerable groups. Additional relief includes expanded “Blue Flag” and “Green Flag Plus” schemes for low-cost essentials and fertilizers, with support for farmers and stockpiles secured through at least May. The Central Committee on Prices of Goods and Services has increased the number of controlled goods from 59 to 66, and items needing pre-approval for price hikes from 8 to 15, now covering products such as toilet paper, shampoo, and bottled palm oil.

Source: https://thephuketexpress.com/2026/03/27/thailand-tightens-price-controls-and-provides-relief-measures-due-to-rising-costs-of-fuel-prices/