Commerce Ministry Launches Cost-of-Living Relief Starting April 1

The Ministry of Commerce is intensifying efforts to reduce the cost of living with new relief measures. These initiatives will be implemented nationwide, aiming to alleviate financial burdens for citizens. The focus is on making essential goods and services more affordable, thereby improving economic stability and enhancing quality of life across the country.

Starting April 1, 2026, the Thai Ministry of Commerce is rolling out national relief measures to stabilize the cost of living amidst energy price fluctuations. Led by Minister Suphajee Suthumpun, these initiatives focus on protecting consumer purchasing power and supporting the agricultural sector.

This initiative is a response to rising costs affecting everyday essentials, ensuring citizens can maintain their standard of living amidst economic challenges.

Consumer Support Measures

The Ministry has tightened price controls and launched large-scale discount campaigns:

• “Thais Help Thais” Campaign: Offers discounts of 25% to 50% on over 1,000 essential products from alternative brands. These are available through major retail partners like Makro, Lotus’s, Tops, and Go Wholesale.
• “Blue Flag” Project Expansion: The program is expanding to over 500 locations nationwide. Mobile units will reach remote areas to provide discounted consumer goods through August 2026.
• Support for Local Eateries: The Ministry is providing raw materials (rice, oil, eggs, sugar) at cost price to “Khao Kaeng” (curry rice) vendors and small restaurants to keep meal prices affordable.
• Strict Price Monitoring: The list of controlled products has increased to 71 items, with 21 now requiring prior approval for any price hikes. Violators face fines up to 140,000 baht and 7 years in prison.

Agricultural Relief

To lower production costs, the “Green Flag Plus” program has been launched:

• Fertilizer Subsidies: Eligible farmers can receive up to 1,400 baht in discounts via coupons for chemical and organic fertilizers.
• Direct Factory Access: In collaboration with 26 manufacturers, 10 million bags of fertilizer are being made available at factory-exit prices.
• Logistics Support: The Ministry is working with Foreign Affairs to expedite shipments of raw materials (fertilizers and petrochemicals) currently delayed in the Strait of Hormuz.

Citizens can report unfair trade practices or unjustified price hikes to the Department of Internal Trade hotline at 1569 or via the Line account @mr.DIT.

These measures include subsidies on essential goods such as food staples and fuel, targeting low to middle-income earners who are most impacted by inflation. By reducing the financial burden on these necessities, the government seeks to stabilize household budgets and stimulate economic resilience across communities.

Additionally, the ministry is launching financial literacy programs to educate consumers on practical budgeting and spending strategies. By empowering individuals with knowledge, the government hopes to foster sustainable financial habits, further contributing to the nation’s economic well-being.

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