Bangkok: Single-dish meals and chicken eggs are set to see price hikes in the coming months, impacting consumers' cost of living. The Trade Policy and Strategy Office (TPSO) has reported an expected 3-5% increase in the price of single-dish meals in the latter half of the year, alongside a 0.20 baht rise in the price of chicken eggs.
According to Thai News Agency, the TPSO revealed that the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for June 2026 rose by 2.42 percent compared to the same period last year. This increase has been attributed to higher fuel prices, increased public transportation fares, and rising costs of processed foods. The TPSO predicts an annual inflation rate of 1.5-2.5 percent and continues to monitor these economic indicators closely.
Ms. Nattiya Suchinda, Deputy Director of the Office of Trade Policy and Strategy, noted that the CPI for June 2026 reached 102.85, marking a 2.42 percent increase from the previous year. The rise in domestic fuel prices, influenced by Middle East conflicts and retail fuel adjustments, has led to increased public transportation costs. Concurrently, businesses have steadily raised prepared food prices, contributing to a noticeable uptick in food-related living expenses. The non-food and beverage segment experienced a 3.31 percent increase, driven by fuel, transportation, housing rents, and cleaning products, while the food and non-alcoholic beverage category saw a 1.03 percent increase, despite some declines in pork, sticky rice, and fresh vegetable prices.
The second quarter of 2026 saw the general consumer price index increase by 2.70 percent year-on-year, with a 1.08 percent rise in the first half of the year. The TPSO maintains its 2026 inflation forecast at 1.5-2.5 percent, factoring in expected Thai economic growth, crude oil prices between US$80-90 per barrel, and an exchange rate of 32-33 baht per US dollar. Key factors to watch include the anticipated rise in single-dish meal prices, an average diesel price of 35-40 baht per liter, and electricity costs averaging 3.93 baht per unit.
Additionally, the network of egg-laying chicken farmer cooperatives has announced a 0.20 baht per egg price increase at the farm gate, raising the cost to 3.80 baht per egg, the highest in two years. This change is attributed to a reduced supply as farmers have culled a significant number of laying hens, coupled with increased egg demand from retailers through the "Thai Help Thai Plus" project. These factors have contributed to rising consumer costs and overall inflation.