Thailand's Deputy Prime Minister, Mr. Jurin Laksanawisit, has directed provincial Department of Internal Trade and Commerce to monitor consumer goods prices closely to prevent excessive profiting and market turbulence. The department will investigate the price hike of chili, if it is due to seasonal reasons or excessive profiting. Those found to be exploiting consumers could face legal action, including fines and imprisonment. The potential penalties are severe, with fines not exceeding 140,000 baht and imprisonment not exceeding 7 years.