March 28, 2026, at the Inner Santi Maitri Building, Government House, at the “Meet the Press” session under the topic “A Month of Global Crisis: Response Plan for the Changed World”, Minister of Commerce Suphajee Suthumpun clarified to the media about the impact of the Middle East crisis on consumption products and goods that there are a number of volatile and uncertain factors as a consequence of the current situation, as many products are directly affected by energy sources. Ministry of Commerce has already undertaken 3 major actions in response to the situation.

Regarding controlled goods, Ministry of Commerce has reviewed the list of controlled goodsunder the Price of Goods and Services Act, B.E. 2542 (1999), which currently covers 59 items. Normally, annual review is conducted mid‑year, but due to the recent situation, additional consumer goods for daily life have been added to the list. Six essential products which have newly been included will require official approval before any price adjustment. Both quantity and quality must also be reported for close monitoring. As for energy products, which are already classified as controlled items, even though fuels are regulated under specific laws of Ministry of Energy, Ministry of Commerce has invited all relevant stakeholders to discuss cost structures in order to ensure accurate and appropriate price review.

Additionally, The Department of Internal Trade, together with provincial commerce offices and the Central Committee on Prices of Goods and Services (CCP), has inspected over 4,000 business establishments for incorrect price labeling and overpricing. Over 400 complaints from the public have been received on the matter, more than half of which have already been classified and addressed. Strict measures are being enforced, particularly for the controlled goods.

On the cost of living, discussions have been held with business operators, major producers, and retail and wholesale traders, as the entire system must be comprehensively managed to benefit all concerned sectors. The Government has implemented the “Thai Helps Thai” scheme, beginning on April 1, 2026, under which more than 1,000 participating products will be sold at special discounts averaging between 25% and 50% to ensure public access to essential goods. In the longer term, Ministry of Commerce’s Department of Business Development, plans to promote community products nationwide through modern trade channels, i.e., department stores, local shops, retail and wholesale outlets, and online platforms. The “Blue Flag” low-cost scheme, which normally operates year‑round, will now be expanded to cover more than 500 communities during the upcoming two months, April and May, with mobile Blue Flag units reaching remote areas to ensure that people everywhere have access to affordable goods.

According to Minister of Commerce, fertilizer prices have also been directly affected, as fertilizer is a critical part of the country’s supply chain along with fuel and petrochemical products. Currently, five cargo ships are being stranded in the Strait of Hormuz. The Fertilizer Association has assessed that domestic reserves will be sufficient until August. Ministry of Commerce has now been coordinating closely with Ministry of Foreign Affairs to monitor the stranded vessels, while striving to manage raw material supplies to reduce reliance on imports. The Ministry has also discussed with farmers, agricultural associations nationwide, and Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives to consider adjusting fertilizer formulas to reduce dependence on imported raw materials. However, any adjustment to fertilizer prices requires official approval, as fertilizers are classified as controlled goods.

In addition, Ministry of Commerce is seeking new markets. Recently, discussions have been held with countries in Africa and Latin America on the export of Thai products in a bid to minimize the impact on exports during the time that cargo transport to and from the Middle East remain disrupted.