Souvenir sellers demand import curbs

Souvenir shop operators in the area of Bangkok surrounding Wat Phra Chetuphon Vimolmangklararm, better known as Wat Pho, are calling on the government to take action to boost consumer spending and address the issue of cheap, substandard imports.

- PHUSADEE ARUNMAS

Following a market survey and discussions with vendors and shop operators in the Wat Pho neighbourhood yesterday, Auramon Supthaweethum, director-general of the Department of Business Development (DBD), said the economic slowdown poses significant challenges for the Wat Pho commercial area, particularly among retail operators such as souvenir vendors.

They told the DBD that most of the tourists who visit are seeking high-quality Thai items to take home with them. Unfortunately, the presence of low-priced, substandard imported goods mixed with local products can lead to misunderstandings, as tourists may purchase the inferior items, believing them to be authentic Thai products. This could potentially tarnish the overall image of Thai goods.