Phuket—
Provincial commerce officials rushed to Patong Beach after a viral clip showed a tourist paying 150 baht for a single coconut, sparking widespread debate over pricing practices along the popular shoreline.
Commerce officials, led by Director Woranit Aphiratjiravong, dispatched a team to survey vendors along the beachfront. Their inspection revealed:
- Price signage compliance: Most stalls displayed clear price tags, with coconuts sold at around 100 baht each. Shops located slightly inland offered lower prices, ranging from 50–80 baht.
- Cost structure: Vendors explained that wholesale coconuts cost 30–40 baht depending on transport and season. Additional expenses include large quantities of ice to keep products chilled, labor costs, and losses from spoilage within three days.
- Unauthorized sellers: Local operators reported that some outside vendors may have infiltrated the beachfront zone without permission. Authorities pledged stricter enforcement to prevent unlicensed sales that could harm Phuket’s tourism image.
To prevent future disputes, the Commerce Office has scheduled meetings with all Patong Beach vendors between April 27–30, 2026. Officials will focus on compliance with Thailand’s Central Committee on Goods and Services Pricing Announcement No. 68/2025, which requires businesses to display prices clearly. Violations will be subject to legal penalties.
Authorities stressed that transparent pricing and adherence to consumer protection laws are vital to maintaining Phuket’s global reputation. By tightening oversight and ensuring consistent standards, officials want to safeguard tourist confidence and support fair competition among local businesses.
