BANGKOK, 8 January 2014 Retailers will stock a higher quantity of items than usual in order to guard against a shortage of products during the Bangkok shutdown next week, according to the Ministry of Commerce.
Deputy Commerce Minister Yanyong Phuangrach on Tuesday asked wholesalers and operators of department stores and fresh markets to act as coordinators between manufacturers and small retailers to ensure that goods do not become scarce during the People’s Democratic Reform Committee’s (PDRC) closure of roads in Bangkok this coming Monday (January 13). Goods will be readily distributed from modern trade retailers’ warehouses surrounding Bangkok, and the large retailers will increase their stock of items from the usual 10 days’ stock to between 15 and 20 days. The government’s center for mitigation of effects from the political upheaval will also act as a coordinator between product manufacturers and retailers.
Mr. Yanyong added that the Ministry of Commerce was requesting cooperation from sellers to avoid raising product prices in times of the tense situation, especially prices of necessities. Ministry officials will be continually checking on prices of products at markets to ensure compliance.
