The Department of Internal Trade in Thailand is working with local department stores and retailers such as Tesco Lotus, Big C, and Makro to address the issue of low vegetable prices, particularly Thai eggplant, in Phetchabun Province due to the COVID-19 pandemic. They are providing space for farmers to sell their produce directly and coordinating with government agencies to purchase the eggplant. The department also expects an increase in demand as COVID-19 measures are eased and local businesses like hotels and restaurants reopen. An investigation by the Phetchabun Provincial Commercial Office revealed that a significant amount of Thai eggplant will be released into the market in February and March 2021.