Bangkok: Warning to merchants not to cheat and increase prices. Good trend. Blue Flag stores accepting state welfare cards on the first day. Mr. Witthayakorn Maninet, Director-General of the Department of Internal Trade (DIT), visited Thanommit Market in the Watcharapol area to monitor public spending following the government's launch of the "Half-Half Plus" program. He visited Thanommit Market in the Watcharapol area, a large market under the Department of Internal Trade's promotion. It features both a fresh market and a prepared food zone. It boasts standardized, clean shops offering affordable products.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Witthayakorn stated, "DIT has been monitoring the sales situation of merchants and the public's response to the 'Half-Half Plus' program for four days (since October 29, 2015). Both Blue Flag stores and participating restaurants have seen bustling spending, resulting in a significant increase in sales from the program." He added details about his visit to Thanommit Market, noting that all merchants are 100% participating in the "Half-Half Plus" program, leading to a lively turnout of food shoppers and an average sales increase of over 80% compared to the pre-program period. The public confirmed that using the program significantly saves on expenses and urged the government to consider increasing the budget and extending the program to stimulate the economy during the end of the year.
The Director-General of the Department of Internal Trade subsequently inspected Blue Flag Pracharat shops in the vicinity of Watcharapol. This marked the first day of the 850 baht monthly allowance increase for the "State Welfare Card" program, from 300 baht per month to 1,150 baht per month, from November to December. Over the two months, citizens received a total of 2,300 baht per person, covering over 13.4 million cardholders nationwide.
Mr. Witthayakorn further revealed, "Pracharath Blue Flag shops are shops under the promotion of the Department of Internal Trade, comprising over 150,000 nationwide. Most accept state welfare cards, displaying clear price tags and selling products at fair prices to ensure the public receives the same price whether they purchase with cash, the 'Half-Half' scheme, or the state welfare card." He emphasized that the department has instructed Pracharath Blue Flag shops nationwide to prepare both their systems and products to accommodate public purchasing needs, urging the public to observe price tags clearly and ensuring sales are 'the same price across all channels' to maintain fairness.
Inquiries with local Blue Flag shops revealed that after the new round of top-ups, people began gradually purchasing more essential goods, such as rice, fish sauce, vegetable oil, and household items. Daily sales have significantly increased, with many shops restocking their inventory in advance to meet rising demand. Meanwhile, many consumers expressed gratitude to the government for its ongoing relief measures.