With Valentine’s Day approaching the Internal Trade Department Saturday warned florists overcharging for roses could land them in jail for seven years or a Bt170,000 fine.

Department director-general Siripol Yodmuangcharoen Saturday inspected flower sellers at Bangkok’s Pak Klong Talad market.

He said prices appeared similar to last year.

Flowers are not controlled goods but the department can use the Price of Goods and Services Act to prosecute over-chargers, he said.

Red and white roses are selling for about Bt200 for 50, pink are Bt170 while jumbo long-stem roses are selling for between Bt10 and Bt20 per flower and Bt4 a bloom if purchased in bulk, a source said.

Flower seller Wimol Netrkaew said roses from Tak, Chiang Mai and Loei were more expensive than last year as a result of cold weather.

While sales were similar to last year, the “ambience is not so upbeat” thanks to an unstable economy, Wimol said.

source : nationmultimedia.com