Nonthaburi June 3-Director General of the Department of Internal Trade The Inspection and Operations Division has to inspect entrepreneurs who buy and move agricultural products. Remind them not to take advantage of farmers absolutely. If found, send legal action immediately.

Mr. Wattanasak Sueaiam, Director-General of the Department of Internal Trade, said he had ordered Inspection and Operation Division to strictly inspect entrepreneurs who buy agricultural products Including the smuggling of agricultural products such as palm oil, paddy, garlic and onions that are imported from abroad, etc. Therefore, a special patrol team of the Department of Internal Trade has been led. A consortium of officers from the Provincial Office of Commerce, Weights and Measures, Highway Patrol, Customs Department, Port Authority, Department of Highways, security officers and local government officials. Check out entrepreneurs who buy agricultural products. Especially in areas where produce is coming to the market. including instructing a special task force to be strict in investigating smuggling of agricultural products in areas that are transport routes and areas adjacent to the borders of neighboring countries in order to strictly comply with the law prevent exploitation of farmers and to maintain the stability of the domestic agricultural market system

However, from the past year to the present The Department of Internal Trade has arrested and prosecuted 25 agricultural product entrepreneurs who violated the law, with a maximum penalty of imprisonment of not more than 5 years or a fine of not more than 100,000 baht, or both. If it is detected that the purchase price is suppressed must face a maximum penalty of imprisonment of not more than 7 years or a fine of not more than 140,000 baht, or both. Also request that the purchase and purchase price be shown in accordance with the rules, measures, and conditions prescribed by law. And if moving agricultural products, permission must be obtained before moving. Violators are liable to imprisonment for a maximum of 5 years or a fine of not more than 100,000 baht, or both. According to the Act on Prices of Goods and Services B.E. 2542

In addition, if any farmers are not treated fairly in selling agricultural products Including seeing or knowing clues about taking advantage of farmers Complaints can be made at the Department of Internal Trade hotline 1569 or provincial commercial offices across the country.-Thai News Agency

Source: Thai News Agency