Commerce to implement strict control on prices of New Year gift baskets

BANGKOK, Dec 24 (TNA) -- Thai Commerce Ministry is set to implement stricter control on New Year gift baskets' price, while planning to join forces with 17 private shopping malls to organise a campaign of 'One Price.' Deputy Commerce Minister Sonthirat Sonthijirawong inspected the selling of New Year gift baskets at various malls ahead of the New Year to ensure that each entrepreneur clearly put up the price tags, as well as to assure the quality of the products by making sure that their expiration date more than 6 months. The deputy minister said the sales of the gift baskets for the year remained similar to last year's figure, as their prices did not increase. Moreover, he said the ministry is set to join hands with the private sector to organised a 30-80% discount promotion on various products. He said the scheme should help increase the daily gift basket sales by an average of 1,000 baskets with the average prices between 295-8,000 baht to help reduce spending for the public. The ministry, together with 17 shopping centres would also co-organise a One Price discount campaign where shoppers can shop for products at half price. The officials from the Department of Internal Trade (DIT) have been constantly inspecting the prices of New Year gift baskets to ensure that customers would not be taken advantage off. Shops found to be selling unde quality goods or goods with expiration dates less than 6 months could face a fine of no more than 10,000 baht. (TNA)