Bangkok: The Department of Internal Trade is actively sourcing raw materials to assist restaurants in an effort to curb rising prices of rice and curry dishes, as costs begin to ease.
According to Thai News Agency, the department is intensifying its efforts to link restaurants with affordable raw material sources to lower expenses and delay the burden from being transferred to consumers. This initiative follows a reduction in several cost factors, including energy, packaging, and fertilizer prices.
Mr. Witayakorn Maneenet, Director-General of the Department of Internal Trade, emphasized that the department is diligently monitoring commodity prices and production costs. It is coordinating with manufacturers, businesses, and retailers to ensure that prices remain fair and reflect actual costs throughout the supply chain. Recent improvements in the cost situation are attributed to the easing of tensions in the Middle East, which has led to lower energy prices. Additionally, there is a sufficient supply of raw materials for plastic packaging production, resulting in a gradual decrease in prices, which will help reduce costs for food and consumer goods businesses.
Despite these positive trends, certain ready-to-eat meals have experienced rising raw material costs, particularly due to the impact of hot weather and seasonal yields on vegetable prices. In response, the Department of Internal Trade is working to connect restaurants, food stalls, and market vendors with affordable raw material sources. This strategy is aimed at enabling them to offer special menus, reduce cooking costs, and delay the pass-on of costs to consumers.
The department's efforts are not limited to monitoring commodity prices; they also focus on reducing costs for businesses at the source to ensure the continuous sale of goods and food at reasonable prices. This approach aligns with the policy of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce, Supajee Suthamphan, who aims to alleviate the cost of living burden for the public. Furthermore, the Department of Internal Trade is expanding the "Thai Helps Thai Plus" project, currently operating in 20 provinces, to an additional 57 provinces. This initiative seeks to increase distribution channels for affordable consumer goods nationwide.