The Department of Internal Trade, Ministry of Commerce, is accelerating the management of consumer goods after flooding in many areas affected fresh vegetables and chicken eggs. Mr. Wattanasak Sueaiam, Director-General of the Department of Internal Trade, disclosed that fresh vegetable output from production sources unaffected by the floods has been linked into central markets before being distributed to fresh markets, shops, and restaurants, causing prices of some vegetables to begin easing. As for chicken eggs, the Department of Internal Trade, together with the Department of Livestock Development, has asked farmers and farms to extend the raising period of laying hens in cages in order to increase the volume of chicken eggs entering the system by about 2 million eggs per day, and has also sought cooperation to maintain farm-gate selling prices and delay some exports in order to increase the volume of chicken eggs for domestic consumption. It will closely monitor and inspect the sale of chicken eggs in both wholesale and retail markets to prevent opportunistic price increases. In addition, it has coordinated with retail and wholesale chains, convenience stores, manufacturers, and suppliers to increase product stocks and adjust distribution plans, as well as seeking cooperation to freeze prices and organize promotional activities. The Ministry of Commerce is also preparing to open low-priced goods distribution points in Bangkok and its vicinity after the flood situation eases, and is pressing ahead with the "Thai Help Thai, Thong Fah, Reduce Cost of Living" project at more than 1,000 points covering 77 provinces nationwide, which will sell consumer goods, cleaning equipment, repair equipment, electrical appliances, and construction materials at low prices.
Ministry pushes farms to extend laying-hen raising and delay exports, adding ~2 million eggs/day to domestic supply, which pressures egg prices down.
