BANGKOK, 18 October 2011 – Producers of consumer goods have pledged they will not raise prices of their products for the moment despite higher transportation cost.
Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Kittiratt Na-Ranong said the pledge was made at the meeting between him and members of the Federation of Thai Industries, producers of consumer goods and representatives of wholesale and retail department stores including the Association of Thai Fresh Markets.
Mr Kittiratt said manufacturers have also accelerated their production capacity in response to the rising market demand which has more than doubled the normal rate. The Ministry of Commerce is coordinating with government units concerned in providing aircraft to help transport goods to some areas. Red tape will be cut to expedite importation of raw materials.
According to Mr Kittiratt, the Ministry of Commerce has established an operation center to take care of prices and sufficiency of goods in and out of Bangkok. The center will tackle logistics problems in a holistic manner and will coordinate with traders in fresh markets to hold additional bazaars to promote distribution of goods.
Meanwhile, president of the Federation of Thai Industries Payungsak Chartsuthipol reaffirmed that there is no shortage of goods at the moment, but difficulties in transportation have interrupted the supply, making 30% of goods missing from shelves.
