Thailand inflation reaches 3-month high in August

Thailand's headline inflation rose to 2.53% year on year in August 2026, its highest level for three months, as fuel costs and food prices increased across much of the country.

The Consumer Price Index stood at 102.67 in August, up from annual inflation of 1.95% in July, according to Nantapong Chiralerspong, director-general of the Trade Policy and Strategy Office (TPSO) at the Commerce Ministry.

For the first eight months of 2026, the average CPI was 1.37% above the same period in 2025. The ministry has kept its full-year headline inflation forecast at 1.5-2.5%, with a midpoint of 2.0%.

Food and everyday transport costs rise

Nantapong said domestic fuel prices remained above year-earlier levels because of the prolonged Middle East conflict and additional economic sanctions.

Food and non-alcoholic beverage prices rose 2.99% from a year earlier. Prepared meals recorded widespread and relatively sharp increases, with prices showing signs of staying high.

The items affected included ready-cooked side dishes, noodles, rice with curry, rice with stir-fried basil and fried rice. White rice, eggs, fresh vegetables, fresh fruit, seasonings, drinking water, instant coffee, and hot and iced coffee also became more expensive.

Fresh chicken prices increased, while the TPSO linked part of the higher fresh-food prices to stronger purchasing power under the Thai Chuey Thai Plus scheme. Sticky rice, dried or grated coconut, tamarind paste and delivered meals were among the items that became cheaper.

For foreigners living in Thailand, the figures point to continuing pressure on day-to-day spending, particularly for those relying on cooked street food, local transport and fuel. The lower electricity rate may offer some relief, although household bills vary by customer category and usage.

Electricity and hotels provide some relief

Non-food and beverage goods and services rose 2.23% year on year, principally due to fuel and public transport. Higher fares affected school transport, inter-provincial vans, motorcycle taxis, minibuses, songthaews and air-conditioned buses.

House rents and cleaning supplies also rose. However, electricity, hotel rooms and clothing became cheaper, along with body soap, shampoo, conditioner, perfume and nappies.

The average electricity rate for September to December has been cut to 3.86 baht per unit, from 3.95 baht in the previous period. The TPSO stressed that this is an average across customer categories, not a uniform household rate.

September prices expected to stay positive

The TPSO expects inflation to remain positive in September. It cited fuel, rising prepared-meal prices, transport costs and stronger demand alongside weather-related disruption to supplies of vegetables, fruit, eggs and chicken.

Personal care products are expected to become cheaper as competition and promotions by major operators continue.

In the latest international comparison, Thailand's July inflation rate of 1.95% ranked 31st-lowest among 135 reporting economies. It was also the third-lowest among eight reporting ASEAN members: Timor-Leste, Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, Vietnam, the Philippines and Laos.

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8 September 2026