Don't parlay that flower,my friend
With Valentine's Day approaching, the Internal Trade Department yesterday warned florists that overcharging for roses could land them in jail for seven years or a Bt170,000 fine.
Department director-general Siripol Yodmuangcharoen yesterday inspected flower-sellers at Bangkok's Pak Klong Talad market. He said prices appeared similar to last year. Flowers are not controlled goods, but the department can use the Price of Goods and Services Act to prosecute overchargers, he said. Red and white roses are selling for about Bt200 for 50, pink are Bt170 while jumbo long-stemmed roses are selling for between Bt10 and Bt20 a bloom or Bt4 in bulk, a source said. Flower-seller Wimol Netrkaew said roses from Tak, Chiang Mai and Loei were more expensive than last year as a result of cold weather. While sales were similar to last year, the "ambience is not so upbeat" what with the economic instability, Wimol said.
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