Governor warns of fuel station scams this Songkran

To safeguard consumers against potential exploitation during the upcoming Songkran festivities, Prachuap Khiri Khan’s provincial authorities have unleashed a new campaign. Led by Deputy Governor Komkrit Charoenpatanasombat, the crackdown aims to ensure fair pricing at fuel stations across the province.

Accompanied by a team of officials including Siriwan Kanasorn, Nopadol Suwongpradit, and Chanthip Niamprad, inspections were conducted yesterday, to prevent any nefarious practices that could leave motorists out of pocket.

The focal point of these inspections was the accuracy of fuel metering devices, ensuring adherence to national standards. Utilising a 5-litre standard measuring container as a benchmark, officials verified that the fuel dispensed matched the advertised quantity within legal tolerances, with all stations found to be compliant.

To bolster consumer rights and market fairness, officials issued a stern reminder. Any instances of misconduct such as overpricing or discrepancies between advertised and actual prices must be promptly reported.

Consumers are urged to utilise the Department of Internal Trade’s 24-hour hotline at 1569 or file complaints at any provincial commercial office, reported Hua Hin Today.

Prachuap Khiri Khan’s local government isn’t pulling any punches against offenders. Penalties for violations range from fines up to 10,000 baht for failing to display price tags, to imprisonment for up to seven years coupled with fines reaching 140,000 baht for severe offences like overcharging, hoarding, or refusal to sell.

In related news, the Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking (JSCCIB) stated that a potential increase in domestic diesel prices, which could surpass 30 baht a litre following the termination of the Oil Fuel Fund subsidy scheme on March 31, is unlikely to prompt manufacturers to raise the prices of their goods.

In other news, Tri Petch Isuzu, Thailand’s Isuzu vehicle distributor, is joining forces with PTT Plc to test vehicles powered by a novel clean fuel. This initiative is aimed at supporting efforts to reduce the high carbon dioxide emissions from Thailand’s transport sector.