The Joint Management and Monitoring Center for the Situation in the Middle East held a press briefing today at the Government House to discuss the ongoing development in the region. The briefing was delivered by Mr. Nantapong Chiralerspong, Director-General of the Trade Policy and Strategy Office and Spokesperson of the Ministry of Commerce, and Mr. Panidone Pachimsawat, Acting Director-General of the Department of Information and Deputy Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. They jointly addressed public inquiries regarding the current situation as follows:
What is the current situation regarding prices of goods and the cost of living, and what measures has the Government implemented?
Mr. Nantapong Chiralerspong, Director-General of the Trade Policy and Strategy Office and Spokesperson of the Ministry of Commerce, stated that the Ministry of Commerce has been closely monitoring both the prices and supply of goods. This has been undertaken in integration with provincial governors, provincial commerce offices, provincial energy offices, and the Provincial Committee on Prices of Goods and Services. Field inspections have been continuously conducted nationwide to prevent opportunistic price increases and to ensure adequate supply for the public. In recent periods, inspections have been carried out extensively across the country, covering petrol stations, agricultural product retailers, and wholesale and retail markets.
Overall, consumer goods remain “sufficient in quantity” and “prices are largely stable,” although certain items have experienced increases in line with rising costs, such as pork, chicken, eggs, and plastic packaging. In terms of regulatory enforcement, complaints have been continuously received through the 1569 hotline. Investigations have been conducted in cases involving failure to display prices, discrepancies between displayed and actual prices, and the sale of goods at unreasonably high prices. Where violations are found, legal action will be pursued strictly to the fullest extent of the law.
Regarding public assistance measures, the Ministry continues to implement key initiatives, including the “Blue Flag” programme to provide affordable goods and reduce the cost of living, the “Green Flag” programme to lower fertilizer costs for farmers, and the “Thai Helps Thai” initiative to connect large and small producers, thereby expanding access to reasonably priced goods.
Furthermore, the Ministry of Commerce is preparing to propose to the Central Committee on the Price of Goods and Services an increase in the number of “controlled goods” from 59 items to 71 items, adding 12 new categories such as bottled drinking water and plastic pellets. It also plans to expand the list of goods requiring prior approval before price adjustments from 8 items to 21 items, adding 13 additional items such as tissue paper, soap, shampoo, and other daily necessities. These measures aim to enhance the effectiveness and comprehensiveness of price regulation.
What is the current situation in the Middle East, and what progress has been made in assisting Thai nationals?
Mr. Panidone Pachimsawat, Acting Director-General of the Department of Information and Deputy Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated that the situation in the Middle East remains highly tense and uncertain. Despite ongoing diplomatic efforts by major powers, the United States has proposed pathways for de-escalation to Iran, including issues concerning navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. Nevertheless, reports of continued retaliatory attacks persist, necessitating close monitoring of developments. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterates its advisory for Thai nationals in high-risk areas to consider departing as soon as possible. They are also urged to closely follow official communications and to register with Thai embassies or consulates to facilitate timely assistance.
Regarding assistance efforts, notable progress has been made. Three Thai crew members who remain aboard the cargo vessel “Mayuree Naree” are still being monitored, with Thailand continuing coordination with relevant countries. Some Thai oil tankers have safely transited the Strait of Hormuz, while others remain in queue. Four Thai workers have already returned to Thailand, with an additional eight expected to arrive shortly. The remains of one Thai national who passed away in Israel are scheduled to arrive in Thailand tomorrow morning.
Since the onset of the situation, a total of 1,486 Thai nationals have been assisted in evacuating from high-risk areas in the Middle East to Thailand or third countries. The Thai Government remains committed to ensuring that all Thai nationals are safely evacuated from dangerous areas at the earliest possible opportunity.
