The government has ordered governors nationwide to implement six measures to prevent consumer exploitation amidst the Middle East crisis.

The government has ordered governors nationwide to step up surveillance against price gouging of goods and services, implementing six measures to prevent consumer exploitation amidst the Middle East crisis.

March 9, 2026, at 1:25 PM, in the central hall of Building 1, Government House. Mr. Santi Piyatat, Minister to the Prime Minister's Office In my capacity as Chairperson of the Consumer Protection Committee, I made a statement following an online meeting with provincial governors nationwide regarding monitoring the exploitation of consumers amidst the conflict in the Middle East.

All provinces have been instructed to intensify monitoring and protection of citizens' rights. This meeting represents a systematic directive from the central government to the local level, following a meeting of the Consumer Protection Committee to determine measures to address the impact of the unrest in the Middle East, which may cause price fluctuations for goods and services and create opportunities for opportunistic consumer exploitation during this crisis.

Mr. Santi stated that consumer protection is not just about resolving problems after they occur, but requires a proactive approach to prevent exploitation of the public from the outset. The government has established six urgent measures to enhance consumer protection nationwide, including:

1. The Office of the Consumer Protection Board (OCPB) has activated its emergency complaint hotline, adding 10 more lines to allow the public to report problems quickly and receive timely assistance.
2. Authorities are inspecting businesses nationwide, increasing the frequency of on-site inspections of businesses related to daily consumer goods. They are also monitoring advertising that may mislead the public into hoarding or purchasing goods at unfair prices, and strictly checking product labels and proof of purchase for essential consumer goods such as packaged rice and cooking gas cylinders. Furthermore, they are regulating rental accommodations to prevent excessively high utility charges.
3. Stores must offer payment options. Businesses are requested to cooperate by allowing consumers to pay through multiple channels, including cash, credit cards, and bank transfers via applications, to prevent potential problems should communication or power systems be disrupted.
4. Buying online requires safety. Consumers are advised to choose online platforms that are registered with the Consumer Protection Board (CPB), especially for high-value items such as jewelry, gold, or investment services, to ensure fair dispute resolution.
5. Tighter controls will be implemented on gold trading, with stricter oversight of gold jewelry labeling and integration with pricing agencies to prevent opportunistic price gouging amidst global market volatility.
6. We are accelerating efforts to build consumer immunity and promoting public awareness of their rights regarding prices, quality, and standards of goods and services, enabling them to make confident and safe consumption decisions.

“It must be acknowledged that today some goods may be in short supply, especially fuel. Therefore, I have instructed provincial governors, the Department of Internal Trade, and the Consumer Protection Board to expedite investigations and monitor the situation for the public and businesses, particularly in the transportation sector. Because if fuel prices rise or there is a shortage, the public will suffer as it will affect other goods as well. Provincial governors are the frontline mechanism for consumer protection in their areas, and integrated cooperation between the central and provincial levels will ensure that various measures are effective. The government will not allow the global crisis to become an opportunity for anyone to take advantage of Thai consumers. Every measure implemented today is aimed at closing loopholes and ensuring that the public is confident that consumer rights will be protected seriously and fairly in all situations.” Mr. Santi said

Source: thaigov.go.th

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