Phuket Provincial Commerce Office Chief Waranit Apiratjirawong said her office is closely regulating prices in line with the law, with particular focus on goods affected by fuel and transportation costs.
“Businesses are required to clearly display prices so consumers can make informed decisions,” she said. “Officials are being regularly deployed to inspect pricing, especially for goods linked to energy costs.”
The increased oversight comes as some items have begun to edge upward. Agricultural products such as limes and spring onions have seen slight increases, while egg prices have risen by around 20–30 satang per egg due to reduced output during the hot season.
Farm-gate prices for pork and chicken have also increased, particularly chicken, which has been affected by disease surveillance measures that have slowed supply to market.
Despite these pressures, most retail prices have remained unchanged, with many businesses absorbing higher transport costs to avoid passing them on to consumers. However, Ms Waranit noted that future price adjustments may be necessary if cost pressures persist.
Imported goods, particularly plastics, are also beginning to feel the impact of delayed shipments, with prices expected to rise. Meanwhile, only some medicines and medical supplies have recorded increases.
The update coincides with the office’s latest daily price report for Mar 27, which confirmed that overall prices remain steady across most categories.
Fresh pork (red meat, non-frozen) was reported at B129–150 per kilogram, averaging B139.50/kg, unchanged from recent levels. Chicken prices also held firm, with whole chickens at B75–80/kg (average B76), thighs at B85–95/kg (average B90), and breast meat at B75–85/kg (average B80).
Egg prices remained stable at retail level, with No. 3 eggs selling for B4.10–4.50 each, averaging B4.30.
Vegetable prices showed mixed movement. Kale dropped slightly to an average of B32.50/kg, while Chinese cabbage rose to B40/kg. Coriander decreased to B26/kg, and spring onions recorded a notable drop to B95/kg. Chillies held steady at around B70/kg, while limes were priced at B4–6 each, averaging B5.
Staple goods also showed little change. A 5kg bag of 100% jasmine rice was priced at B169–200 (average B184), while white rice averaged B134.50 per 5kg. Palm oil averaged B49 per litre, and soybean oil B52.
Seafood prices remained stable, including Nile tilapia at B80–100/kg, mackerel at B112–120/kg, catfish at B75–90/kg, and white shrimp at B180–190/kg.
To further support households, the Commerce Office is continuing its ‘Blue Flag Affordable Price’ initiative in cooperation with local administrative organisations, offering essential goods at below-market prices.
“The project is aimed at helping reduce living costs during a period of economic volatility,” Ms Waranit said.
Meanwhile, officials have also intensified inspections of fuel stations across Thalang and Phuket Town.
An inspection conducted yesterday (Mar 26) found that fuel prices were in line with official announcements and overall supply remained sufficient, although some stations experienced temporary shortages due to transport delays and increased demand.
All operators were found to be clearly displaying prices, with no evidence of hoarding.
Officials reiterated that violations under the Price Control Act B.E. 2542 (1999), including unjustified price gouging or hoarding, carry penalties of up to seven years’ imprisonment, a fine of up to B140,000, or both.
Members of the public are encouraged to report suspected violations via the Department of Internal Trade hotline at 1569 or directly to the Phuket Provincial Commerce Office.