The government is committed to moving ahead with the low-cost Blue Flag and Took Jai shop schemes next year to help reduce the cost of living for consumers and curb inflationary pressure.

Vatchari Vimooktayon, the commerce permanent secretary, said the Commerce Ministry will spend 200 million baht in fiscal 2013 on the Blue Flag programme, double the amount during the previous fiscal year.

The programme, which is slated for all districts of all provinces nationwide, is aimed at preventing private operators from profiteering and increasing product prices by boosting competition, she said.

A large sale is being held for the market at Sanam Luang 2 in Thon Buri district until Monday and at Muang Thong Thani from Nov 30 to Dec 4.

The ministry also plans to extend the low-cost Took Jai outlets nationwide, but a budget has not yet been set.

Last year the government allocated 1.32 billion baht to develop Took Jai outlets, which generally sell consumer products at 20-40% less than private outlets.

A total of 10,000 shops participated.