Bangkok: The Department of Internal Trade (DIT), in collaboration with the Consumer Protection Board (CIB), has initiated inspections of sellers to ensure transparency in the pricing and quality of religious items, particularly during significant Buddhist holy days.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Udom Srisomsong, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Internal Trade, visited the Sao Chingcha Intersection in Bangkok, highlighting the upcoming Asalha Bucha Day and the commencement of Buddhist Lent in 2568. These are periods when Thai-Buddhists traditionally purchase offerings for temples, including monk offerings, Thai Dharma sets, and candles. The inspections aim to prevent vendors from exploiting these occasions by unjustifiably raising prices or selling substandard items.
The DIT has partnered with the Office of the Consumer Protection Board (OCPB) and the Consumer Protection Police Division (CIB) to scrutinize manufacturers and distributors of religious items at key locations like the Sao Chingcha Intersection in Phra Nakhon District, Bangkok. This includes a prominent store responsible for producing Buddhist offering sets, Thai Dharma sets, and Buddhist Lent candles.
Inspections revealed a downturn in the sales of offering sets and Thai Dharma sets, attributed to economic factors and changing consumer behavior, with more Buddhists opting to assemble their own offering sets or purchasing pre-made sets directly from temples, which offer a cheaper alternative. The preference for light bulbs over traditional candles has also contributed to a decline in candle sales.
The Department of Internal Trade has mandated that business operators clearly display retail prices, product lists, sizes, unit weights, packaging quantities, and individual item prices within the Buddhist offering sets or Thai Dharma sets. Today's inspections confirmed compliance, with stable prices being maintained despite slight increases in product costs.
Moreover, the department has deployed patrol teams to monitor religious supply shops across Bangkok and surrounding areas, instructing provincial commercial offices nationwide to oversee the sales of these products. Consumers facing unfair treatment in purchasing or services can report issues via the Department of Internal Trade's hotline 1569 or at provincial commercial offices. Legal action will be enforced for any infractions, with penalties for failing to display prices capped at a 10,000 baht fine. Selling at excessively high prices, hoarding, or refusal to sell can result in up to seven years imprisonment, a fine up to 140,000 baht, or both, under the Price of Goods and Services Act B.E. 2542.