The Commerce Ministry says it will continue to organise discount campaigns and seek more cooperation from manufacturers and traders to cap prices or delay planned price rises, especially of essential products.
Commerce Minister Jurin Laksanawisit yesterday said his ministry will soon invite manufacturers and entrepreneurs to continue maintaining their prices for as long as possible.
The ministry also plans to continue the ongoing discount campaigns which were scheduled to end on Jan 31.
On Jan 18 the cabinet approved an allocation of 1.48 billion baht from the central budget to fund relief measures to reduce the rising cost of living, which was tabled by the Commerce Ministry.
Under the funding plan, the ministry will organise discount campaigns at 3,050 distribution points and add more Thong Fah (Blue Flag) low-priced schemes to distribute essential products and food to communities.
Discounted products, including chicken, pork, eggs, and other essential items, will be available at community courtyards, fresh markets, department stores, petrol stations, convenience stores and mobile groceries.
Last year the ministry organised 16 discount campaigns, both online and offline, to reduce the cost of living.
The ministry also provided products through its mobile commercial vehicle scheme, offering discount prices direct to consumers while increasing distribution channels and access.
In a related development, Mr Jurin revealed that during Chinese New Year the ministry will maintain prices in seven important categories comprising electrical appliances, soft drinks, instant noodles, seasonings and sauce, milk and dairy products, canned food and fresh food.
Prices of certain products were also reported to have fallen during the festive season, with the cost of an egg, for instance, down by 7%, and pork down 11%.
The prices of many types of fish were also reduced, while chicken prices were maintained and the prices of most vegetables dropped, said Mr Jurin.