Food courts get warning on prices

"If any retailers in food courts still quote unreasonable prices, the department may consider putting fast food on our price-control list, which will subject them to caps," director-general Yangyong Phuangrach said yesterday.

The move follows consumer complaints about unfair price rises at food courts in modern trade outlets. Price controls will kick in by the beginning of next month.

The department's circular will be sent to all big retail chains to ensure that their food plazas comply with the requirement. However, those selling special items may quote higher prices as long as they can justify them.

According to the department's survey, modern traders generally maintain acceptable prices, except some department stores such as Central and the Mall Group. For instance, Carrefour offers selections at Bt19 to Bt25 a dish and Tesco Lotus at Bt25 to Bt30 a dish.

The Commerce Ministry will also provide consumers with a more affordable alternative by expanding its fast-food kiosks from 1,000 to 1,500 nationwide. Dishes cost from only Bt12.50 up to Bt17.50.

Commerce Minister Krirk-krai Jirapaet said the ministry would closely monitor prices of agricultural products and consumer goods.

It will allow only reasonable price increases to ensure that consumers will not suffer from a rising cost of living, he said.

He presided at the launch of the ministry's operations room, which was designed to provide necessary information on the commercial situation of each targeted trader. It also tracks price trends in the domestic market to ensure that price movements are based on fair practices and are under close supervision of the ministry.

Petchanet Pratruangkrai The Nation