Vendors could face up to seven years in prison if they sell overpriced marigolds, which are a symbol of commemoration for the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej, according to the Department of Internal Trade (DIT).
Demand for the marigolds in all forms -- the flowers, plants as well as the seeds -- has spiked after the government campaigned for people to plant them at their homes or designated public places to express their loyalty and gratitude to the late King.
The prices have been inflated to 60-150 baht per plant from 20-30 baht about a month ago.
DIT chief Boonyarit Kalayanamit warned vendors who jacked up the prices of marigold plants, flowers or seeds that they are liable for a jail term of up to seven years and a maximum fine of 140,000 baht. Vendors who fail to clearly label the prices of the plants, flowers or seeds or who sell them at prices higher than labelled will be fined up to 10,000 baht.
Meanwhile, a total of 151,289 police will be deployed to maintain security nationwide during the royal cremation ceremonies and 42 roads around the ceremonial ground at Sanam Luang will be closed to traffic next Thursday when the royal cremation takes place.
Police spokesman Pol Gen Weerachai Songmetta said 18 roads around Sanam Luang will be closed on Oct 23 and nine more roads will be closed next Wednesday. Next Thursday, a total of 42 roads will be off-limits to traffic, he said.
A week ahead of the ceremonies, former German president Christian Wulff is the latest high-profile figure to announce he will attend the event, according to the German embassy in Bangkok.
King of Bhutan Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and his wife Queen Jetsun Pema, Prince Akishino and Princess Kiko, Crown Prince Haakon of Norway and President Halimah Yacob of Singapore are among high-ranking dignitaries who will attend.