Ministry’s mobile stores hit the road
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Commerce Ministry has officially launched mobile grocery stores, part of the government’s efforts to enhance the competitiveness of pickup trucks that peddle consumer goods along sois, in villages and at construction sites.
According to Commerce Minister Sontirat Sontijirawong, the scheme will start with 340 participating pickups and aims to have at least 1,000 by the end of the year.
About 10,000 pickups nationwide act as mobile grocery stores selling consumer goods. Sales average 10,000 baht per day for each truck.
With the ministry-initiated programme, Mr Sontirat said the mobile grocery stores are expected to have higher sales, especially with contributions from spending by welfare smartcard holders.
The mobile grocery stores complement the ministry’s Thong Fah Pracha Rat shops under a 41.9-billion-baht aid package approved by the cabinet last year.
The scheme is aimed at 11.7 million low-income earners — 5 million of whom live below the poverty line.
The aid package also includes allowances for rides on public buses and trains, as well as subsidised utility bills.
Under the aid package, the government transfers 200-300 baht a month to each welfare smartcard. Recipients earning less than 30,000 baht a year get a monthly allowance of 300 baht, while those with annual earnings of 30,000-100,000 baht receive 200 baht to buy discounted goods at Thong Fah Pracha Rat shops and other designated stores.
Each cardholder gets 1,500 baht a month to subsidise transport and 500 baht for inter-provincial public buses, thirdclass trains, and local buses and electric trains.
According to Mr Sontirat, participating pickups are required to meet qualifications imposed by the Internal Trade Department: operators must register pickups with the Land Transport Department, and standardised scales or other weighing apparatus are essential to ensure fairness.
Participating pickups are also required to have legitimate annual car tax renewal, while drivers must carry an authorised driving licence.
The Commerce Ministry, meanwhile, will provide support in connecting fresh markets and central markets through the Internal Trade Department, as well as helping manufacturers supply products at fair prices to participating pickups.
Most importantly, participating mobile store operators must not engage in profiteering, Mr Sontirat said, adding that benefits and privileges will be immediately revoked for such practices.
At least 10 fresh markets have agreed to take part in the scheme. They include Bang Yai market in Nonthaburi, Sri Muang central market in Ratchaburi, and Ying Charoen market and Si Mum Muang central market in Bangkok.