Using the Consumer Protection System Program in the Community (Survey Grocery Store) to Raise the Level Grocery Stores in Lopburi Province Follow the Laws

Abstract

This study aimed (1) to examine the situation and problems related to the sale of health products that violate the law in local grocery stores, (2) to enhance the capacity of health networks in Lopburi Province in utilizing the Consumer Protection System in the Community Program (Grocery Store Survey) to promote legal compliance among grocery stores, and (3) to propose policy recommendations for effective law enforcement and the development of standard-compliant grocery stores. This cross-sectional study employed both quantitative and qualitative approaches and included 102 grocery stores in Lam Sonthi District, Lopburi Province. Data on health products and in-depth interviews with store owners were collected using the Consumer Protection System in the Community Program between July and October 2024. Descriptive statistics were used for data analysis, including frequency distribution and percentage.

The findings revealed that most grocery stores met the criteria for appropriate premises (84.3%), but many failed to meet product standards. Stores selling legally compliant health products (green) accounted for 12.7%, stores that could be improved (yellow) 34.4%, and stores selling illegal health products (red) 52.9%. The main causes of non-compliance were the sale of illegal foods (79.4%), illegal medicines (42.2%), and household hazardous substances (22.5%). Most store owners demonstrated a high level of health product literacy, particularly in accessing and understanding information, while their behavioral change and communication dimensions remained moderate. The study suggests that data from the Consumer Protection System in the Community Program should be used to develop strategies for improving grocery stores and strengthening health network capacity. Furthermore, the program should be enhanced to automatically notify relevant legal provisions when violations are detected, thereby supporting law enforcement and promoting sustainable legal compliance among grocery stores in Lopburi Province.

Keywords : Community-based Consumer Protection Program, Grocery Store Quality Standards, Lopburi Province