Has Your Cost Of Living And Or Business Gone Up?

[slapout]

Just reviewing some of the prices we paid for meat, eggs etc over the past 3 to 4 years, compared to today, in Chiang Mai. I still remember 12 baht/liter diesel, today 31 baht/liter. beef 2005, 105 baht/ kilo today 125bt/kilo. Chicken 2005, 50bt/kilo today 110bt/kilo. Pork 2005, 65bt/kilo today 100 bt/kilo. Eggs 2005, 140bt/100 today 260bt/100. The government has recently been throwing inflation numbers of 2 to 3% around and as always I am kind of hard pressed to believe them. What kind of input can other viewers give to make us all feel better.

[Gonzo the Face]

Just reviewing some of the prices we paid for meat, eggs etc over the past 3 to 4 years, compared to today, in Chiang Mai. I still remember 12 baht/liter diesel, today 31 baht/liter. beef 2005, 105 baht/ kilo today 125bt/kilo. Chicken 2005, 50bt/kilo today 110bt/kilo. Pork 2005, 65bt/kilo today 100 bt/kilo. Eggs 2005, 140bt/100 today 260bt/100. The government has recently been throwing inflation numbers of 2 to 3% around and as always I am kind of hard pressed to believe them. What kind of input can other viewers give to make us all feel better.

I'm with you Slaps

Here are a few more for the list. Same source, same product, same size.

Cheese 2005 289 Baht

Cheese 2008 359 Baht

Margarine 2005 140 Baht

Margarine 2008 242 Baht

Cooking Oil 2005 339 Baht

Cooking Oil 2008 745 Baht

I agree, Something is changing and recently most drastically, and not for the better

gonzo

[BlackArtemis]

The chicken and egg prices might be from bird flu scares, but yeah it has gone up in price.

[anonymouse]

Just reviewing some of the prices we paid for meat, eggs etc over the past 3 to 4 years, compared to today, in Chiang Mai. I still remember 12 baht/liter diesel, today 31 baht/liter. beef 2005, 105 baht/ kilo today 125bt/kilo. Chicken 2005, 50bt/kilo today 110bt/kilo. Pork 2005, 65bt/kilo today 100 bt/kilo. Eggs 2005, 140bt/100 today 260bt/100. The government has recently been throwing inflation numbers of 2 to 3% around and as always I am kind of hard pressed to believe them. What kind of input can other viewers give to make us all feel better.

I can't give any individual prices but my shopping trips to carrefour seem to get more and more expensive each time I visit and I don't seem to be buying anything more.

Saying that my folks back in the UK say that prices have risen greatly there as well, a shopping trip to the supermarket for the two of them works out to about the equivelent of 5,500 baht a week.

[Gonzo the Face]

The chicken and egg prices might be from bird flu scares, but yeah it has gone up in price.

To some extent I agree with you re the bird flu. But I seem to remember that during the bird flu scare, they were at Thaepae Gate passing out free eggs and the chicken prices fell thru the bottom of the floor.

Now the egg prices are going up once or twice a week. [on the eggs]

gonzo

Edited March 3, 2008 by Gonzo the Face

[Bill97]

The government inflation figures have not been valid in Thailand or in most countries for years if you are trying to measure real cost of living changes. They omit things and "adjust" others.

Sorry, I know that isn't going to make you feel better. The only thing that can help is to try to have your income and investments increase at least as much as the real cost of living increases.

Edited March 3, 2008 by Bill97

[Nienke]

Rent up

Electrictity up

Food and beverages up

Dogfood up

Petrol up

Every other costs up

[cmsally]

My electricity actually went down for this month, maybe he read the meter wrong as its always within a hundred baht the same.

But we bought a new washing machine so maybe its going to prove a very economical purchase if its the reason!

I think the major huge increases are going to be food which is the same the world over.

Meat , eggs, milk, eggs, wheat etc have all jumped enormously. Maybe on average 10-30% in a short time.

[chownah]

15 mm deformed rebar went from 380 baht per piece to 520 baht per....

chownah

[Maejo Man]

Milk prices have also gone throught the roof. A couple of years ago the price was 18 baht for the 800 ml bottle and today it's 42 baht

[PeaceBlondie]

I do not grocery shop, but my partner keeps telling me that the prices for the same staples at the same stores have greatly increased. Naughty entertainment seems more expensive, too, according to my naughty friends.

Let's not forget to factor in the abysmal currency exchange rates.

[Bill97]

Bangkok Post today says Feb prices are up 5.4% compared to Feb last year, making it the highest rate in 20 months. Up from 4.3% in Jan. Big jump.

The increases we really experience are most likely much higher. Inflation is monitored by some independent organizations, non-government, in the US and the data is used by many of the big money guys. It indicates inflation rates 2-3 times what the government reports.

[Blinky Bill]

When the price of fuel goes up so does the price of transport of all goods. The increase always falls on the consumer, it's not unique to Thailand.

[Donnyboy]

just came out a few hours ago....

<H1 class=article-no-standfirst id=heading-alone>Thai February inflation at 20-month high</H1>

• <LI class=publication>Reuters
  
• Monday March 3 2008
  

(Adds quotes, details)BANGKOK, March 3 (Reuters) - Thailand's inflation, stoked by oil and food prices, rose to a 20-month high in February, making it harder for the central bank to cut interest rates despite a decision to scrap capital controls and sharp falls of U.S. rates.Annual inflation accelerated to 5.4 percent in February from 4.3 percent in January, above the 5.2 percent expected by analysts in a Reuters poll last week.Annual headline inflation averaged 2.3 percent in 2007, down from 4.7 percent in 2006, and the central bank has forecast inflation would average 2.8-4.0 percent this year.The central bank now faces a difficult choice, as fighting inflation by raising rates would accelerate the appreciation of the baht, which it is trying to resist in order to support exporters, analysts say .It may also want to see how the lifting of capital controls, effective on Monday, affects the currency."Athough cancellation of the 30 percent reserve requirement has strengthened the baht, an interest rate cut to help ease the baht should be quite difficult or is unlikely until in the late in the second quarter," economist Nuchjarin Panarode of Capital Nomura Securities said."The BoT is unlikely to cut its policy rate in the next meeting in early April," she said."I'm not so worried about inflation because the central bank's decision to lift capital controls should make the baht somewhat stronger and we should see an interest rate cut in the second quarter of this year," economist Isara Ordeedolchest of KTB Securities said.Aggressive cuts of U.S. interest rates by the Federal Reserve this year have stirred expectations that the Bank of Thailand (BoT) might trim its policy rate.The central bank has held its key rate steady at 3.25 percent since last July after five cuts of a combined 175 basis points earlier in 2007 to stimulate demand and investment. Its Monetary Policy Committee will review monetary policy on April 9.The bank noted after a policy review last week that its decisions to keep interest rates unchanged, despite price pressures, had helped bolster consumption.Core CPI, which excludes energy and fresh food prices, rose 1.5 percent in February from a year earlier from 1.2 percent in January and above the 1.4 percent rise analysts had expected.Last week, the bank signalled the possible need to cut rates if sluggish global trade hurt the Thai economy. (Reporting by Apornrath Phoonphongphiphat and Bangkok newsroom; Writing by Vithoon Amorn; Editing by Michael Battye)

[Austhaied]

When the price of fuel goes up so does the price of transport of all goods. The increase always falls on the consumer, it's not unique to Thailand.

I better get a job in the oil and gas industry then..

Rumor has it that they are seeing pay rises of around 20-30 %.

That would balance things out a little.

[Donnyboy]

When the price of fuel goes up so does the price of transport of all goods. The increase always falls on the consumer, it's not unique to Thailand.

I better get a job in the oil and gas industry then..

Rumor has it that they are seeing pay rises of around 20-30 %.

That would balance things out a little.

nice one Aus. Any jobs going?

those powers at be need to answer for the price of oil. I dont understand the full extent of it but I believe it had something to do with George W and the invasion of Iraq?

slightly off topic, but has anyone seen "There will be blood"

[realthaideal]

Prices are real tough now. So many basic things climbing disproportionately to what you'd expect. And even the 20 baht food places are pretty much all gone the way of 25-30 baht now. I was just Googling Thai news earlier today and saw this article in Bloomberg. http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=206...&refer=asia -It explains at least the jump in pork prices recently. I am wondering how the Thais are coping with the rise in prices of everything, esp the gas prices. Used to fill up a tank on the motosai for about 45-50 B a few yrs ago, yesterday 110 B. Dang!

[Donnyboy]

Prices are real tough now. So many basic things climbing disproportionately to what you'd expect. And even the 20 baht food places are pretty much all gone the way of 25-30 baht now. I was just Googling Thai news earlier today and saw this article in Bloomberg. http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=206...&refer=asia -It explains at least the jump in pork prices recently. I am wondering how the Thais are coping with the rise in prices of everything, esp the gas prices. Used to fill up a tank on the motosai for about 45-50 B a few yrs ago, yesterday 110 B. Dang!

if it makes you feel any better RTD, DVDs have dropped in price, from 120 baht 4 years ago to about 80 baht now

[PeaceBlondie]

Bangkok Post today says Feb prices are up 5.4% compared to Feb last year, making it the highest rate in 20 months. Up from 4.3% in Jan. Big jump.

The increases we really experience are most likely much higher. Inflation is monitored by some independent organizations, non-government, in the US and the data is used by many of the big money guys. It indicates inflation rates 2-3 times what the government reports.

Not to get too far off track, but can you give us the website of such an NGO or corporation? If the inflation rate in any country had been manipulated as you say, for decades, then a Hershey bar in the USA would now cost about $18, a new Mustang about $225,000, a very small house several million dollars, etc. The figures shown here on this thread already show big price jumps, and we do not have to believe everything a govt. says. I know of no non-govt. compilation of real prices.

[Bill97]

Bangkok Post today says Feb prices are up 5.4% compared to Feb last year, making it the highest rate in 20 months. Up from 4.3% in Jan. Big jump.

The increases we really experience are most likely much higher. Inflation is monitored by some independent organizations, non-government, in the US and the data is used by many of the big money guys. It indicates inflation rates 2-3 times what the government reports.

Not to get too far off track, but can you give us the website of such an NGO or corporation? If the inflation rate in any country had been manipulated as you say, for decades, then a Hershey bar in the USA would now cost about $18, a new Mustang about $225,000, a very small house several million dollars, etc. The figures shown here on this thread already show big price jumps, and we do not have to believe everything a govt. says. I know of no non-govt. compilation of real prices.

I do not know about your examples for the Hershey bar, Mustang and house. How did you calculate them?

The US government has changed the way they calculate inflation more than once. They have eliminated categories and devised formulas which do not represent reality to calculate other costs For example they compare computer prices this year and last and say something like that because this year's computer is more powerful, it's price has to be adjusted downwards to compare with last years computer. Thus computers in the current inflation calculations are cheaper than what we really have to pay for them. Does that sound right to you? Dig around a bit and you will find more about omissions and strange calculations.

If you Google "us inflation rates non government statistics" you will find a site called shadowstats. They have inflation numbers based on the government data definitions in use in 1990 on the first page and 1980 if you click "alternative statistics". Using the 1980 statistical definitions to calculate inflation today gives some numbers that will open your eyes. The government is reporting about 4% but if you use the 1980 statistical definitions it is about 12%. Then think about how good the 1980 statistical definitions were? Better than todays but how good? I think it is widely accepted that the changes in the way the numbers are calculated have resulted in lower rates being reported which is to the government's advantage. It makes them look good and reduces costs of pensions, social security payments and some bonds which are all inflation indexed.

There are other people/organizations doing calculations, I can not recall the name of the one I recently read about but it was an organization which sold their information to financial institutions and was reporting double digit inflation while the government data was around 4%.

Also there is little uniformity in the ways different countries calculate inflation.

[sleepyjohn]

A friend of mine owns a condo in CM in a fairly good block.

He showed me a list of all the new prices for the block from 1992 or 3.

They have barely risen in 15 years.

[xbusman]

We keep careful budgets and track of expenses. No feeling or fudging about it. Our costs for overhead have risen about 11 percent. Goods have risen about 6 percent in baht terms.

All our vendors have come to us for increases. We ask for decreases and if we dont get reductions, the products go to China. About half our products have been resourced to China over the past year.

[FolkGuitar]

Just reviewing some of the prices we paid for meat, eggs etc over the past 3 to 4 years, compared to today, in Chiang Mai. I still remember 12 baht/liter diesel, today 31 baht/liter. beef 2005, 105 baht/ kilo today 125bt/kilo. Chicken 2005, 50bt/kilo today 110bt/kilo. Pork 2005, 65bt/kilo today 100 bt/kilo. Eggs 2005, 140bt/100 today 260bt/100. The government has recently been throwing inflation numbers of 2 to 3% around and as always I am kind of hard pressed to believe them. What kind of input can other viewers give to make us all feel better.

The way I look at it, I'm getting stronger. Seven years ago it took me two hands to carry home 1,000 baht worth of groceries. Today I can carry a 1,000 baht worth with just one hand....

But here are some sad stats; I used to buy croissants from Rimping at five rather large ones for 32 baht. Today four really small ones cost 38 baht. I might just have to cut down on the caviar!

"No bread to eat? Let them eat cake!"

[Cyberstar]

That's it! I've had it! I solemnly do swear - my charges will follow suit (as soon as I get sufficient spare time to adjust the signage - that is).

[Mapguy]

Inflation? Well, yes, but it depends!

First, it is healthier than deflation, but that's another story.

Inflation is a VERY individual thing. It depends very much on how you live; what YOU choose to buy. Generally, certainly the price of any transported good is up, particularly far away from any ports of entry (e.g., Chiang Mai from Bangkok). Anyway, there are many, many variables that no central banker has yet successfully been able to dope out. Otherwise, I suppose, we would not be worried!

The most unnerving thing,I suppose, is that given modern communications, changes can happen very, very fast. That is VERY unsettling.

For the bulk of this site's users, people also probably have to look at exchange rates when talking about how you are doing.

Other than that, anyone want to move to Zimbabwe? Nice climate!

[Polsevogn]

I paid 30 baht for lunch today. Used to be 25.

If things keep going at this rate then in another ten years I'd spend a whole DOLLAR on lunch.

Oh my god. I'll have to revisit my whole retirement planning now.

Edited March 4, 2008 by Polsevogn

[slapout]

You have not been following the baht vs dollar too closely have you? It might happen when your lunch costs 30 baht.

[Gonzo the Face]

By way of update to a post I made yesterday

"Cooking Oil 2005 339 Baht

Cooking Oil 2008 745 Baht"

as of this morning make the same Cooking Oil 785 Baht

[taste now like North Sea Crude]

Another Goodie

Same Store, Same Brand, Same Size Rice

Feb 20th 08 5 K Bag = 105 Baht

This Morning 5 K Bag = 130 Baht

That seems to be about a 24% increase in 2 weeks

Gonzo

Just as an afterthought, all the most severe price increases just became noticeable from around the 20th of December 07.

What could that mean ?????

Edited March 4, 2008 by Gonzo the Face

[Ajarn]

The chicken and egg prices might be from bird flu scares, but yeah it has gone up in price.

To some extent I agree with you re the bird flu. But I seem to remember that during the bird flu scare, they were at Thaepae Gate passing out free eggs and the chicken prices fell thru the bottom of the floor.

Now the egg prices are going up once or twice a week. [on the eggs]

gonzo

The first part is from people who panicked because they had so many chicken/eggs on hand and nobody was buying, also due to being panicked...

The second part, when prices skyrocketed, was when the buyers starting buying 'rare chickens/eggs' at first, and when supplies returned to normal, the prices didn't go down... Very typical here in Thailand.

[ray23]

Yep costs up income down I'm really starting feel at home these days

Come on guys tell me again 25 to one is a good thing, how many times have we heard that one.