Thai inflation hits 2.89% in April, driven by food and oil prices

Matichon•Economy•7d ago

Reader Briefing

Thailand's inflation rate in April 2026 surged to 2.89%, marking a 38-month high, fueled by rising fast food and oil prices.

•Consumer Price Index in April 2026 reached 103.03, a 2.89% increase year-on-year.
•Month-on-month inflation rose by 2.75% compared to March 2026.
•Key drivers include higher fuel prices due to Middle East conflicts and increased prices for prepared meals and fresh vegetables.

Overview

•On May 6, 2026, Director Nantapong Chiraletpong announced inflation data.
•The general consumer price index for April 2026 was 103.03, an increase of 2.89% compared to April 2025.
•Significant increases in domestic fuel prices, geopolitical conflicts in the Middle East, and the prolonged closure of the Strait of Hormuz contributed to the inflation.
•Public transportation fares and prices of prepared meals and fresh vegetables have increased.
•Of 464 items, prices increased for 251 items in April 2026.
•The non-food and non-alcoholic beverage category rose by 4.14%, while food and non-alcoholic beverages increased by 0.98%.
•Core inflation (excluding fresh food and energy) rose by 0.83% in April 2026.
•Due to ongoing high oil prices and increased production costs, inflation is expected to remain positive in May 2026.

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Key Quotes

Nantapong Chiraletpong

"The Thai economy is not experiencing stagflation but rather slow growth and high inflation, caused by a supply shock and suddenly higher production costs from expensive oil and energy."

เศรษฐกิจไทยยังไม่เกิดภาวะ Stagflation แต่เป็นเศรษฐกิจขยายตัวต่ำและเงินเฟ้อสูงขึ้น ต้นเหตุจาก Supply Shock ต้นทุนการผลิตสูงอย่างกะทันหัน จากราคาน้ำมันและพลังงานแพง

Key Entities

Person

Nantapong Chiraletpong(นายนันทพงษ์ จิระเลิศพงษ์)

Director-General of the Office of Trade Policy and Strategy (สนค.) who announced inflation data.

Organization

Office of Trade Policy and Strategy (สนค.)(สำนักงานนโยบายและยุทธศาสตร์การค้า (สนค.))

The Thai government agency that reported on consumer price indices and inflation data.