DAMNOEN SADUAK, THAILAND – A viral social media post about an expensive omelette at a famous floating market prompted authorities to investigate possible price gouging.
Viral complaint over 400-baht omelette
A Thai tourist said she was shocked by the bill during a family trip to the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market in Ratchaburi, after a boat operator had recommended a particular restaurant. The customer was charged 400 baht for a simple omelette and 1,400 baht for a large fried rice, amounts she described as excessive for what was served. Her post spread quickly online, stating:
“Only egg and vegetables, no meat. The portion does not justify the price at all!”
said the customer.
Authorities inspect floating restaurant
The Ratchaburi Commerce Office, police and local administration responded immediately and inspected the boat-access-only restaurant on Thursday. Officials found a menu displayed on site, but the owner admitted,
“The prices are high.”
said the restaurant owner. He cited operating costs including rent, wages, expensive ingredients and a 900‑baht commission per trip paid to boat drivers who brought in customers.
Owner lowers prices after public backlash
The restaurant operator said he was surprised by the delayed public outcry, noting that the family had paid on 3 January without complaining at the time. However, pressure from social media and instructions from authorities led him to commit to lowering prices from Saturday. Tharanin Bunyongworaphinit, head of the commerce office, said the assessment was clear:
“The prices are unreasonably high. The operator has admitted that.”
said Tharanin Bunyongworaphinit, head of the commerce office.
Severe penalties possible for price abuses
Investigations were launched to determine whether the restaurant had violated price control regulations. Under the law, offenders faced up to seven years in prison, a fine of up to 140,000 baht (about 3,500 euros), or both. Officials were also checking whether the listed prices were proportionate to actual costs and whether they had been clearly displayed.
History of complaints at the same venue
The restaurant already had a poor reputation after complaints late last year about a Pad Thai priced at 900 baht. Following a warning and negotiations at that time, the price was reduced to 500 baht, marking the operator as a repeat offender in the eyes of authorities. During the New Year holidays, the commerce office had already detained 14 vendors for failing to display prices, with repeat offenders required to pay double penalties.
Tourism image at stake
Officials said the case went beyond a single overpriced dish, as the Damnoen Saduak Market is regarded as a national icon and a must-visit destination for many travellers. They warned that such incidents seriously damaged Thailand’s reputation as a hospitable and fair destination.
“We call on all vendors to clearly display prices and calculate them fairly,”
said the commerce office, adding that protecting consumers and the country’s image was now a top priority.