Bangkok: Minister Chatuporn Buruspat has taken decisive action to accelerate the implementation of the Ministry of Commerce's policies by assigning specific oversight responsibilities to his deputy ministers. The move is aimed at addressing pressing economic challenges such as low agricultural product prices, counterfeit goods, and outdated legislation.

According to Thai News Agency, Minister Chatuporn signed Ministry of Commerce Order No. 722/2568 on July 7, 2568, which delegates responsibilities to Deputy Minister Mr. Suchart Chomklin. Mr. Suchart will oversee the Department of International Trade Promotion, the Department of Business Development, the Department of Internal Trade, and the Warehouse Organization. Meanwhile, Mr. Chantawit Tanthasit, Director of the Department of Foreign Trade, will supervise the Department of International Trade Negotiations, the Office of Trade Policy and Strategy, and the International Institute for Trade and Development.

The Minister has emphasized the need for teamwork to tackle the ongoing challenges related to the cost of living, particularly for low-income groups affected by fluctuating prices of essential goods. The Department of Internal Trade has been instructed to closely monitor these price changes, especially during periods of volatility in oil and raw material costs.

To ensure comprehensive and sustainable solutions, the Ministry of Commerce will collaborate with the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Industry, and other relevant ministries. The goal is to address issues across the entire supply chain system, ensuring that interventions do not exacerbate the financial burdens on the public.

In the short-term, Minister Chatuporn has tasked relevant agencies with closely monitoring the prices of seasonal agricultural products, such as mangosteen, durian, and longan, which are about to enter the harvest season. The ministry is also promoting the 'Thais make, Thais use, Thais help Thais' initiative to boost local consumption and identify new export markets.

Additionally, clear KPIs have been established for trade ambassadors to expand Thai products into new global markets. These ambassadors are expected to provide feedback reports to the ministry for evaluation and strategic advancement.