Thai inflation in December 66 shrank by 0.83%, the lowest in 34 months.
Thai inflation in December 66 shrank by 0.83%, the lowest in 34 months and the lowest in ASEAN. from energy prices Meat and food ingredients continue to decline, averaging 66% for the whole year 1.23. Commerce expects 67% for 0.7.
Mr. Poonphong Naiyanaphakorn, Director of the Office of Trade Policy and Strategy (O.C.), Ministry of Commerce Revealed that Thailand's Consumer Price Index for December 2566 was equal to 106.96 compared to December 2565, which was equal to 107.86, resulting in general inflation decreasing by 0.83%, decreasing continuously for the third month.
“Inflation in December 66 shrank to the lowest level in 34 months, since March 64.”
The main factor is the decrease in the price of products in the energy group. Including fuel and electric current According to the government's policy to reduce the cost of living in energy. Including meat and cooking ingredients, prices have continued to drop. In addition, prices of fresh vegetables have dropped quite a lot. For other goods and services, prices move in a normal direction. Basic inflation When deducting fresh food and energy, it increased by 0.58%.
whileThailand's inflation rate compared to other countries Latest information November 2566 It was found that Thailand's inflation rate decreased by 0.44%, which is in the group of countries with low inflation rates. It ranks fifth lowest out of 5 economic zones that have announced figures. and is still the lowest in ASEAN out of the 135 countries that announced figures (Lao PDR, Philippines, Singapore, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia), consistent with many countries around the world where inflation tends to slow down.
The general inflation rate this month decreased by 0.83%. There were movements in the prices of goods and services as follows.
Other categories Non-food and beverage items decreased by 1.00% following the decrease in prices of products in the housing category, including electricity bills. and items related to cleaning (detergent, dishwashing liquid, fabric softener), vehicles, transportation and communications categories from the decrease in the price of diesel, gasohol 91, and electric train fares
In addition, electrical appliances (television receiver washing machines, refrigerators) and some personal expenses have decreased in price (sanitary napkins, body soap, skin protection and care products). For products with slightly higher prices, such as body powder and deodorant. pet food offerings to monks, cigarettes, liquor and beer, and clothing and shoes categories The average price index remains unchanged.
Food and non-alcoholic beverages category Decreased 0.63% following a decrease in the price of products in the meat, duck, chicken and aquatic animal groups (pork meat, fresh chicken, beef, mackerel, white shrimp, sea bass), fresh vegetables (spring onions, eggplant, morning glory) and cooking ingredients (vegetable oil, seasonings oyster sauce)
For products with higher prices, such as rice, glutinous rice, baked goods, soy milk, yogurt, fresh fruits (durian, tangerines, bananas), as well as instant coffee powder, coffee/tea (hot/cold), instant rice dishes, noodles, and lunch (rice with curry). The price has increased slightly.
The Consumer Price Index for December 2566 compared to November 2566 decreased by 0.46%, with the food and non-alcoholic beverage category decreasing by 0.51% following a decrease in products in the rice, flour and flour products group. (sticky rice rice flour), eggs and dairy products (chicken eggs, yogurt, soy milk), fresh vegetables and fruits (kale, spring onions, cilantro, tangerines, ripe papaya, bananas)
For products with higher prices, such as pork, fresh chicken, chili sauce, dietary supplements, drinking water, coffee/tea (hot/cold), ready-made rice dishes, snacks, and lunch (rice and curry), and other categories that are not food and beverages, the decrease was 0.44. % from the decrease in prices of almost every type of fuel, including gasoline, gasohol, and diesel (except for vehicle gas (LPG), the average price has not changed).
In addition, toll fees, shirts, men's t-shirts and personal care items (toilet paper, toothpaste, skin protection and care products) prices decreased for higher priced products such as fabric softener. Floor cleaning products, detergent, shampoo, sightseeing fees both domestic and international, and liquor.
As for the average inflation rate for the entire year 2566, it is slightly higher at only 1.23% and is a rate close to the Ministry of Commerce's forecast that it will expand in the range of 1.0% - 1.7% (median value 1.35%).
This is mainly due to an increase in products in the fresh food group, including rice, eggs, vegetables and fruits, from production costs that are still high compared to 2565, and some vegetables face weather conditions that are not conducive to cultivation. plant In addition, domestic demand improved, supported by tourism and exports that expanded well. It has contributed to the price of products in the fresh food group increasing.
In addition, the price of ready-to-eat food has increased slightly according to the price of raw materials. Including the cost of electricity, the price is still higher than in 2565. However, there are still many important products whose prices have decreased, such as pork and vegetable oil, following increased supply. and fuel From government measures and the oil price situation in the world market
Mr. Poonphong revealed that The general inflation trend in 2567 is likely to be low. The general inflation rate in January is likely to be negative for the 4th consecutive month, with important supporting factors including:
- Measures to freeze the price of diesel fuel and freeze electricity prices for households that use less than 300 units of electricity.
- Oil prices in the world market tend to decrease. This will be a supporting factor for the retail price of gasoline in the country to decrease accordingly.
- Impact from the El Niño phenomenon tends to decrease
- Promotional measures for entrepreneurs To support public spending that is expected to increase according to the Easy E-Receipt measure, however, there are still factors that may cause inflation to increase, such as tourism, which causes related goods and services to increase. Including the need to monitor conflict situations in various regions of the world, such as attacks on shipping ships in the Red Sea. That causes sea transportation to increase fees and freight rates. This is expected to be a temporary impact and the event is unlikely to be prolonged.
This The Ministry of Commerce forecasts general inflation in 2567 to be between (-0.3%) – 1.7% (median value 0.7%), which is a rate consistent with the current economic situation.
For the overall consumer confidence index for December 2566, it decreased slightly to 54.8 from 55.0 in the previous month. It is still in the confidence range for the 13th consecutive month (since December 2565). The current Consumer Confidence Index is the same as the previous month. Meanwhile, the future consumer confidence index (next 3 months) decreased. The reason that the overall Consumer Confidence Index decreased is expected to be from
- The economic recovery was not as expected.
- Concern about income that may not be enough to cover living expenses and debt.
- Prices of some important agricultural products decreased. However, during the New Year festival, related businesses will improve. together with government measures to reduce the cost of living Accelerating the resolution of debt problems Including the increase in the minimum wage throughout the country as a supporting factor, causing the Consumer Confidence Index to remain within the confident range.
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