Some vendors at the tourist-popular markets were found not clearly displaying prices, an official report of the inspections confirmed.
Leading the inspections was Pathumphon Yamkerd of the Phuket Provincial Commercial Office, joined by other Commercial Office officials as well as officials from the Sanitation and Environmental Health Department of Patong Municipality along with officers from the Patong Police.
During the inspection, store operators were advised to clearly display product prices to prevent consumer exploitation. The measure allows consumers to compare prices before making purchases, ensuring a fair marketplace and promoting transparency, said the official report.
The inspection also aimed to enhance Phuket’s tourism image, as both markets are popular destinations for Thai and international tourists. By ensuring transparent pricing, the authorities hope to maintain the appeal of these markets as tourist attractions in the Patong area, the report explained.
Periodic inspections are part of the Phuket Provincial Commercial Office’s ongoing efforts to prevent what was called “opportunistic pricing practices”.
Despite these efforts, however, some vendors were found not to be displaying clear price tags, the report said.
Officials explained to the vendors that failure to clearly display prices constituted a violation of the Act on Prices of Goods and Services, B.E. 2542 (Sections 28, 29, 40, 41). Offenders may face fines up to B10,000.
Consumers who encounter unclear pricing or suspect exploitation can report their concerns to the 24-hour hotline 1569, the center for receiving complaints about product and service prices.