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Thailand: New grocery store scheme to help reduce cost of living
The Commerce Ministry yesterday launched a fresh mobile grocery store campaign to help reduce the cost of living for people in Greater Bangkok.
Presiding over the launch of the new mobile grocery store campaign, Commerce Minister Jurin Laksanawisit said the latest campaign features 730 mobile pick-up trucks and small trucks selling 73 products in six categories with a discount of 5-60%.
Products include food items such as rice, eggs, cooking oil, sugar, instant noodles, canned fish, seasoning sauces, daily-use products, body care products, cleaning products and medicines.
Mr Jurin said the mobile grocery units will park at all 50 districts throughout Bangkok for half a day before moving to various points and that they would enter around 400-500 communities.
“The service will start by serving people in Greater Bangkok for one month from yesterday until June 8 this year and help reduce the total cost of living by an estimated 250 million baht,” said Mr Jurin.
According to Mr Jurin, the ministry is also cooperating with seven markets including Si Mum Muang, Talad Thai, Yingcharoen, Min Buri, Seri Market Sai 5 and Bang Yai.
Wattanasak Sur-iam, director-general of the Internal Trade Department, said as a result of the latest wave of the pandemic, people have had to increase their spending on necessities such as food and sauces by 20-30% during holidays as they stay home to avoid the contagion.
The Internal Trade Department itself has been closely monitoring the situation of product supplies and distribution from wholesale and retail operators as well as convenience stores and manufacturers.
Mr Wattanasak said wholesalers, retailers, and convenience stores have confirmed that stock of supplies is adequate and they are continuously preparing staff to add more products.
He also insisted supplies of surgical masks, cloth masks, alternative masks and hand sanitiser also remains sufficient to handle high demand.
He said the department has also asked for cooperation from retailers and wholesalers to maintain the price of these products.
“The Commerce Ministry is closely monitoring the production and distribution of surgical masks, cloth masks, alternative masks and hand sanitisers. If traders are found to be selling products at unreasonable prices, hoarding or refusing to distribute items, they will be subject to a maximum penalty of up to seven years imprisonment or a fine not exceeding 140,000 baht or both. Moreover, if a price tag is not displayed, there will be a maximum penalty or a fine not exceeding 10,000 baht.”
Source: https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/2113531/new-grocery-store-scheme-to-help-reduce-cost-of-living