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Phuket in focus: ceramics shop with entrance fee creates excitement!
On February 16, 2026, Phuket's commercial office clarified allegations about the entry fee at a ceramics shop and scheduled regular inspections.
Phuket in focus: ceramics shop with entrance fee creates excitement!
An important press conference was held at the Phuket Provincial Public Relations Office on February 16, 2026. The focus of the event was Ms. Waranith Apiratjirawong, Phuket's Trade Commissioner, who entrusted Ms. Suphanat Chuaichana, Head of the Trade Development Department, with clarifying current allegations. This decision came in response to the inspection of a ceramic goods store on Yaowarat Street in Phuket Town, which caused some controversy.
What had happened? The day before, February 15, the store had been noticed with a sign showing an entry fee of 40 baht. However, this fee could be applied to the purchase of goods, which many visitors did not realize. Pricing information was prominently displayed at the store entrance in Thai, English and Chinese, but this still raised some concerns among customers.
Recommendations for better communication
The authorities gave the store operator important recommendations to prevent any negative impact on the tourism image. It was emphasized that transparent communication is crucial to avoid misunderstandings. The operator promised to strictly adhere to the guidelines of the Central Pricing Committee known as Regulation No. 68, 2025.
But the trade bureau goes one step further: to ensure that similar problems are avoided in the future, it plans regular checks and consultations for business owners. These are carried out three times a week, specifically on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. The frequency of these checks is increased, particularly during festival periods, in close cooperation with various authorities.
Training and clear guidelines
An additional component to improve the situation is the planned training of business owners. These trainings, which are organized in cooperation with local authorities, are to be supported by the budget of the Phuket Industrial Office. The goal is to provide business owners with the knowledge they need to better implement the new requirements and guidelines.
It is clarified that the charging of fees is generally permitted provided that the price and condition signs are clear and clearly visible. To ensure this standard, the Trade Office will continue to work closely with relevant authorities and forward current guidelines to the Department of Commerce.
The developments surrounding the ceramics business clearly show that Phuket is striving to create a positive and transparent trading experience for all its visitors. The clarification initiative and the proactive measures taken by the trade office give hope that the island will remain a popular destination for tourists from all over the world in the future.