He said Thai Watsadu is one of the three construction material suppliers that has pledged to peg the prices of home repair products in an effort to help flood victims.

Thai Watsadu has agreed to discount their prices by 10 to 80 percent.

Specially priced materials include PVC doors, cement, paint, electric wire, hi-capacity water pumps, and mattresses.

Thai Watsadu Managing Director Nilubon Jirapattanapong conceded that the recent flooding has adversely affected the company’s profit, forcing it to close branches in flooded areas for a month.

However, the company is willing to cooperate with the commerce minister to assist flood victims.

Nilubon said the company received a warm welcome after it lowered its prices, as its net sales of sanitary products and pumps has risen drastically.

She affirmed that an increase in sales would redeem the revenue lost during inundation and would increase the company’s net turnover by 50 percent, compared to last year’s figure.

The deputy minister suggested that people buy necessary materials from companies that join the Commerce Ministry’s campaign to lower prices.

Construction material dealers that agreed to cooperate include Thai Watsadu branches in flooded areas, namely Bang Bua Thong, Bangna, Mahachai, Sukapiban 3, and Home Work’s Rajapruek Branch.

In the meantime, Home Pro has lowered its prices by 10 to 70 percent at 44 branches nationwide.

Lastly, Home Mart and other SCG representatives reduced their prices by 10 to 60 percent in 19 flooded provinces.

Meanwhile, he stated that reports of unfair pricing can be made through the hotline number 1569.

The Commerce Ministry will dispatch officers to monitor the prices.

He added that the Internal Trade Department will meet with furniture and electrical appliance producers on Friday to discuss how they can help the flood-stricken residents.

He expects major manufacturers will agree to cooperate and give discounts of 20 to 40 percent.