Consumer Goods Available Despite Flooding

(22/10/2011)

The Department of Internal Trade has confirmed that consumer goods are available in response to the domestic demand despite the current flooding situation. The Department is joining hands with the Thai Retailers Association in supplying consumer goods and other necessities to be sold in various provinces, particularly those affected by floods. A food distribution center will be set up at Don Mueang Airport. The Director-General of the Department of Internal Trade, Vatchari Vomooktayon, said that the move for product distribution is meant to ease the burden and difficulties of the people in the face of the current situation. The goods distribution would continue until the flooding eases. She also urged the people not to stockpile too many items for fear of flooding, as this might lead to shortages of supplies. Starting on October 20, the Department has arranged mobile units to sell low-cost consumer goods in Bangkok and its vicinity. Among the products are eggs, rice, vegetable oil, soap, toothpaste, and instant noodles. Complaints about unfair prices and services may be made at the hotline on 1569. According to a report from the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, 28 provinces are still suffering under the floods. A total of 342 people have died and almost 2.5 million people from more than 800,000 families have been affected by the current flooding. Meanwhile, the Government has instructed all relevant agencies to provide important places, such as power plants, airports, and hospitals, with full protection from floods. The Ministry of Transport has also been told to ensure traffic flow on major routes in order to facilitate goods transportation. The Government Housing Bank on October 21 announced measures of debt rescheduling for their clients affected by floods. It also offers loan extensions for new clients wishing to secure loans to repair their damaged houses. More information may be obtained at the bank’s Customer Relations Center, tel. 0-2645-9000. The Excise Department will also consider extending the period for tax payment for entrepreneurs whose operations have been hard-hit. The Japanese Ambassador to Thailand, Seiji Kojima, paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra at the Flood Relief Operations Center in Don Mueang on October 21. He informed the Prime Minister that the Japanese government, through the Japan International Cooperation Agency and the Japan Bank for International Cooperation, would like to offer soft loans for Thailand in its flood rehabilitation efforts, such as the rebuilding of infrastructure.