BANGKOK, Thailand – Thailand’s headline inflation rose 2.53% year-on-year in August, marking its fifth consecutive monthly increase and the highest rate in three months, driven mainly by higher fuel and food prices. The Ministry of Commerce said the Consumer Price Index stood at 102.67 in August, while inflation for the first eight months of 2026 averaged 1.37%.
Food and non-alcoholic beverages rose 2.99%, led by higher prices for prepared meals, rice, eggs, fresh vegetables, fruits, beverages and cooking ingredients. Prices of prepared food continued to rise broadly, while fresh food prices were also affected by stronger demand and weather-related supply disruptions. Non-food and beverage prices increased 2.23%, with higher fuel costs, public transport fares, rents and household cleaning products contributing to the rise. Lower electricity bills, hotel room rates, personal care products and clothing partly offset the increases.
Core inflation, excluding fresh food and energy, rose 1.44% in August, up from 1.34% in July. Core inflation averaged 0.94% during the first eight months of the year. The Commerce Ministry expects inflation to remain positive in September, with fuel prices still higher than a year earlier amid prolonged conflict in the Middle East and additional economic sanctions.
Food prices are also expected to remain under pressure, particularly prepared meals, vegetables, fruit, eggs and fresh chicken. Officials said stronger demand and weather-related supply disruptions could push some fresh food prices higher. However, lower electricity prices are expected to help contain inflation. The electricity tariff for September–December 2026 has been reduced to 3.86 baht per unit from 3.95 baht previously. The ministry maintained its full-year 2026 inflation forecast at 1.5–2.5%, with a midpoint of 2.0%.
