7-Eleven stores investigated over allegations of face mask price hikes

Thailand’s Internal Trade department has investigated the 7-Eleven chain of convenience stores over allegations that face masks are being sold at inflated prices. However, the department says the masks in question do not fall under the 2.50 baht cap imposed by the government. Wattanasak Sur-iam, director-general of the department, says the face masks in question are ordinary masks, not the surgical masks which would fall under the price control measure.

According to a Nation Thailand report, the department has pointed out however, that imported ordinary masks cannot be marked up by more than 60%. Wattanasak has asked stores to provide the original import price in order to check this against what the masks are being sold for. Business owners in violation of this law could face up to 7 years’ imprisonment and/or a fine of up to 140,000 baht.

SOURCE: Nation Thailand