PUBLISHED: 29 Sep 2024 at 14:54
Thailand’s Commerce Minister Pichai Naripthaphan has announced plans for immediate legal action against backhoe operators in flood-affected provinces for significantly increasing mud removal fees. The directive comes following the minister’s visit to the severely impacted areas of Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai, where he received alarming reports of inflated charges for clearing mud from homes.
During his inspections, Mr. Pichai emphasized that the Department of Internal Trade (DIT) and local commercial offices are committed to enforcing fair pricing practices. Operators will be required to clearly display their service charges; noncompliance could result in fines reaching up to 10,000 baht. For those discovered to be overcharging, the penalties may include a prison term of up to seven years and a maximum fine of 140,000 baht.
“We urge backhoe operators to maintain their mud removal fees at current levels to assist residents affected by the floods. This is not the time to exploit their suffering,” said Minister Pichai.
Consumers are encouraged to report any unfair pricing or practices to the DIT’s hotline or their local commerce offices. Additionally, in response to the disaster, the ministry has begun distributing 2,000 cleaning kits, which include vital supplies like blankets and mattresses, to residents in Chiang Mai. Efforts are also underway to provide affordable consumer goods in flood-stricken areas through the Thong Fah scheme and mobile units, aimed at alleviating the economic burdens faced by affected communities.
