New Guidelines for Price Transparency in Khon La Khrueng Plus Scheme
The Department of Internal Trade (DIT) has issued new guidelines to ensure transparency and fairness in the Khon La Khrueng Plus co-payment scheme. These measures aim to protect consumers by requiring participating shops to clearly display prices and inform customers about the final cost, including any applicable value-added tax (VAT).
According to the director-general of the DIT, Wittayakorn Maneenetr, the department has collaborated with provincial commerce offices to create detailed guidelines for officials. These guidelines will help inspectors visit stores and provide necessary advice to ensure compliance with the rules.
One of the most important requirements is that all participants must clearly show the final sales price, which includes VAT if it applies. This ensures that consumers are fully aware of the total cost before making a purchase.
Restaurants are also required to display food prices clearly. Additionally, any extra service charges must be made known to customers, allowing them to compare prices and make informed decisions.
Participating stores must sell goods at the same price to both Khon La Khrueng Plus members and cash-paying customers. This rule ensures fairness and prevents discrimination against any group of consumers.
Increase in Consumer Complaints
Between October 29 and November 4, the DIT received 112 complaints from consumers. Most of these complaints involved issues such as overpricing, failure to display prices, charging extra amounts to Khon La Khrueng Plus customers, discrepancies between displayed and actual prices, and cases where VAT was charged at a higher rate than advertised.
Mr. Wittayakorn emphasized that these actions are exploitative and warned that the department would take strict legal action against violators. Failing to display prices can result in fines of up to 10,000 baht. Overpricing or unreasonably increasing prices could lead to imprisonment for up to seven years and/or a fine of up to 140,000 baht.
Following the complaints, DIT officials have already responded to various cases in Bangkok, Buri Ram, and Khon Kaen, and have imposed fines on those found guilty.
Ongoing Monitoring and Consumer Reporting
“The DIT continues to monitor, inspect, and educate stores nationwide to ensure compliance, prevent misunderstandings of the law, and build consumer confidence,” Mr. Wittayakorn said.
Consumers who encounter stores violating price transparency regulations are encouraged to report them. They can file complaints via the DIT’s 1569 hotline or contact any provincial commerce office across the country.
Key Takeaways
- All stores must clearly display the final sales price, including VAT.
- Restaurants must show food prices and any additional charges.
- Prices must be the same for all customers, regardless of payment method.
- Violations can result in significant fines or even imprisonment.
- Consumers can report violations through the DIT’s hotline or local offices.