DPM SOMKID SAYS THE INFLATION WILL NOT RISE HIGHER THAN 4 PERCENT AND THE BUSINESS OPERATORS WILL BE CLOSELY MONITORED

Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Somkid Jatusripitak (สมคิด จาตุศรีพิทักษ์) said that tomorrow, the Ministry of Commerce will disclose the Consumer Price Index (CPI), and he believes that the inflation rate will maintain its level at 4 percent as projected by the ministry.

Dr. SOMKID stated that the Commerce Ministry will closely monitor the prices of consumer products to prevent speculative activities. Over the past few months, he conceded that certain business operators have increased the product prices higher than normal due to the oil price speculation. Some operators have also halted their products from entering the market.

He said such actions are inappropriate and they have gained excessive profits. He has then referred to the short supply of sugar products in the market, which then caused the sugar prices to elevate.

He has assigned the Department of Internal Trade to consult with the Director of Thai Customs Department to find protective measures and to investigate sugar importers.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 30 November 2005

Now is that 4% on top of the 10% that inflation is already running at?

Right - it was last heard of, at 6% and rising, so this must be 'inflation as experienced by people who get free flights with RTAF'