BANGKOK, THAILAND – The Thai government has moved swiftly to prevent price gouging on black mourning clothes following the death of Queen Mother Sirikit. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul ordered the Ministry of Commerce to monitor both physical and online retailers to ensure fair pricing across the country.
Nationwide surge in demand
According to Airin Phanrit, deputy government spokesperson, demand for black and dark-colored clothing had surged dramatically as the nation entered a period of mourning. Millions of citizens sought appropriate attire to honor the late Queen Mother, who held a revered place in Thai society.
Anutin expressed gratitude to businesses that maintained stable prices or offered discounts, acknowledging their role in easing the financial burden on the public. However, he noted that not all traders had shown restraint, prompting the government to act decisively.
Strict penalties under price control law
The Department of Internal Trade, operating under the Commerce Ministry, was tasked with closely examining price structures and production costs in shops and online marketplaces. The move aimed to curb opportunistic behavior and protect consumers during what officials called a “sensitive and emotional” period.
Airin Phanrit warned that any merchant found guilty of overpricing or hoarding black clothing would face severe penalties under the Price of Goods and Services Act BE 2542 (1999). Offenses could lead to fines or imprisonment:
• Failure to display prices: fines up to 10,000 baht
• Overpricing or profiteering: up to 7 years in prison or 140,000 baht in fines
• Hoarding goods: up to 5 years in prison or 100,000 baht in fines
She stressed that “PRICE MANIPULATION DURING A PERIOD OF NATIONAL MOURNING WILL NOT BE TOLERATED.”
Consumer hotlines and public support
To empower consumers, several complaint channels have been activated. Citizens encountering inflated prices can report cases via:
• Department of Internal Trade: 1569
• Thailand Consumers Council: 1502
• Office of the Consumer Protection Board: 1166
Airin added that eligible citizens could use the Khon La Khrueng Plus co-payment program to purchase mourning attire at participating shops. The scheme is designed to assist lower-income families by sharing costs with the government during the mourning period.
Appeal for unity in grief
Officials said the administration’s primary aim was to maintain fairness and protect social harmony. The government urged all Thais to show solidarity rather than seek economic advantage in a time of collective sorrow.
“GRIEF MUST NOT BE COMMERCIALIZED,” the prime minister’s office emphasized, underscoring that those who disregard this principle would face the full weight of the law.
As the black-clad crowds continue to express their respect for Queen Mother Sirikit, the balance between mourning and market ethics has become a reflection of Thailand’s sense of unity and moral duty.