Residents in several provinces say the cost of living has climbed steadily in recent weeks, with higher prices reported for dried foods and household goods. The hike in prices is being attributed to rising energy costs, raw material prices and transport expenses worldwide, reports the Bangkok Post.
Many households, particularly low-income families and small traders, say the higher cost of living is beginning to strain their budgets.
Business operators say they are also facing growing pressure from rising import and transport costs, making it difficult to put a cap on retail prices. Some warn that gradual price increases may be unavoidable if costs continue to rise.
Consumers are urging the government to closely monitor the situation and introduce measures to control the prices of essential goods to ease the burden on households amid ongoing economic uncertainty.
In Nakhon Ratchasima, a commercial heart of the Northeast, reporters visited Jor Jae Market in Phimai district to survey vegetable and seafood prices. Vendors said extreme daytime heat and drought conditions have reduced crop yields, causing some vegetables to wilt and become scarce.
As a result, prices for certain produce have doubled. The situation has been compounded by concerns over the Middle East conflict, which could drive up global oil prices and subsequently affect transport, labour and retail costs.
Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun called on the public not to panic, saying the government is monitoring the situation through a dedicated task force.
Energy prices remain the primary factor influencing product prices, she said, adding that authorities are coordinating across ministries to ensure policies and measures are ready to protect consumers if necessary.
“We are assessing the situation day by day,” she said.
“People should stay informed but there is no need to panic.”
Although the government has attempted to keep domestic fuel prices stable, traders say any future increase would quickly ripple through the supply chain.
Paen Fanphimai, 60, a vegetable vendor at the market, said most vegetables remain at normal prices but limes are much more expensive.
“I buy them for about four to five baht each and sell them for five to seven baht just to make a small profit,” she said. “Before, large limes sold for only about three baht each.”
Fertiliser retailers in Khon Kaen say the conflict is already affecting agricultural supply chains, with some fertilisers already growing scarce.