Bangkok: Siripong Angkasakulkiat, a representative of the Ministry of Commerce, has issued a stern warning to small shop owners participating in the "Half-Half Plus" program after inspections revealed instances of price manipulation that could lead to severe penalties.
According to Thai News Agency, the Ministry of Commerce conducted inspections following a social media post highlighting a shop's price discrepancy between cash payments and the "Half-Half" scheme. The shop, identified as a small retailer, had posted a sign indicating a 10 baht price increase for purchases under the program. The Ministry ordered the shop to correct the pricing and warned of legal consequences, including fines up to 140,000 baht, imprisonment up to 7 years, and exclusion from future government programs, should violations persist.
Mr. Angkasakulkiat stressed the importance of uniform pricing for products, regardless of the payment method, to ensure fair participation in the "Half-Half Plus" program. He underscored that the program does not necessitate tax reporting, dismissing claims of increased prices due to tax obligations as unfounded. Violators of the Goods and Services Regulation Act B.E. 2542 (1999) face fines up to 10,000 baht, with more severe penalties for persistent price manipulation.
The public is encouraged to report any instances of overpricing or violations of the program's objectives to the 1569 hotline or provincial commercial offices. Prompt investigations will be initiated by the Department of Internal Trade to address and prevent further infractions. The "Half-Half Plus" initiative aims to alleviate public expenses, boost consumer spending, and support small businesses, contributing to the recovery and growth of the Thai economy.