NONTHABURI, Aug 12 (TNA) – The Commerce Ministry allows surgical mask factories to sell their products directly to local markets but limits the price at 2.50 baht apiece.
Whichai Phochanakij, director-general of the Internal Trade Department, said the number of local factories producing surgical masks rose by nine to 30 and their combined production capacity increased from 1.2 million masks to 4.5 million masks a day.
There were enough supplies for the users who needed them. Such users included personnel of hospitals and airports and they demanded 2-3 million surgical masks a day, he said.
Local stocks of surgical masks were sufficient for over two months’ use, so local producers should be allowed to sell their surgical masks directly to local markets and did not have to send their products to the state as earlier. The green light for direct local surgical mask sales took effect on Tuesday, Mr Whichai said.
However, the Internal Trade Department limits the price of surgical masks at 2.50 baht apiece and continues to restrict surgical mask exports by requiring exporters to seek its permission on the amounts and types of masks to be exported. Besides, local factories must be ready to supply their products right when there was a local shortage, he said. (TNA)
