The Commerce Ministry has teamed up with the private sector to hold a New Year Grand Sale scheme for one month, offering steep discounts of as much as 70%.
The ministry estimates that the scheme, running from Dec 14 to Jan 12, will help lower the cost of living for Thais by 21.6 billion baht or 30%.
Commerce Minister Jurin Laksanawisit said the New Year Grand Sale will be made available through 20,000 branches of department stores, modern trade, convenience stores, hypermarkets and wholesale shops.
Products in the programme include food and drinks, consumer products for daily use, appliances, agricultural utensils, garments, construction materials, sportswear, bedding, cosmetics, stationery, furniture and decorative items.
Eight rubber tyre makers, including Bridgestone, Michelin, Goodyear, Otani, Continental and B-Quick, will also join the scheme, offering 20-30% discounts.
"The scheme will start at the same time nationwide," Mr Jurin said. "The ministry will also kick off the New Year Grand Sale in provincial areas like Ubon Ratchathani, Chiang Mai and Nakhon Si Thammarat to activate domestic spending and circulate money in local economies."
Vipada Duangratatna, deputy chief executive of Big C Supercenter, said the event will help stimulate purchases of food and everyday products for Christmas and New Year celebrations.
The company is offering discounts of 10-70% for products during the campaign.
Siriporn Dejsing, deputy chief executive for corporate communications at Siam Makro, said the company has more than 5,000 items on sale for the scheme.
Items with discounts of up to 80% include fresh food, consumer goods, store-brand items, hampers and appliances.