Government urges Thais not to panic-buy, says supplies remain sufficient

BANGKOK — 9 November 2026, The government has urged the public not to panic-buy or stockpile essential goods amid reports of emergency food hoarding in several countries, insisting that Thailand has shown no signs of a supply shortage and that manufacturers and major retailers continue to produce and distribute goods nationwide.

Deputy Government Spokesperson Ploythalay Laksameesaengjan said the government was closely monitoring concerns over panic buying following recommendations in several countries for people to stockpile 72 hours’ worth of supplies, as well as advice for Thai residents to prepare emergency kits in case of flooding.

The government has instructed the Department of Internal Trade and the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) to closely monitor the situation and ensure sufficient supplies to meet public demand.

According to the latest figures, sales of consumer goods have indeed increased. However, the rise has been driven by several factors, including emergency purchases in flood-affected areas, increased spending at the beginning of the month following payday, and shopping incentives under the State Welfare Card scheme and the Thai Help Thai Plus (60:40) co-payment programme.

The latter has helped boost sales at local retailers by approximately 5%, she said, adding that the increase was not solely attributable to panic buying.

“All business operators have confirmed that their stocks are sufficient. Distribution centres are ready to deliver goods to branches nationwide at all times, while manufacturers are prepared to immediately increase production if demand rises.

“We have also inspected storage facilities and refrigerated systems following reports of potential risks in other countries. So far, we have found no signs of irregularities in Thailand,” Ploytalay said.

She urged the public to prepare for potential disasters according to their needs but stressed that there was no need to hoard goods or panic in response to news from abroad.

The concept of a 72-hour emergency survival kit, designed to cover the first three days of a disaster or emergency, is an internationally recognised preparedness guideline. It is intended to help people take care of themselves during the initial period when emergency assistance may not yet be accessible.

It should not be interpreted as a warning of war or an impending shortage of essential goods, she said.

Anyone who encounters unfair trading practices or goods being sold above controlled prices can report the matter to the Department of Internal Trade hotline at 1569.