Thailand's Inflation Rates For September

[Jai Dee]

Permanent Secretary for Commerce indicates that inflation rates in Sep have decreased for the first time in 18 months

The Permanent Secretary for Commerce, Mr. Karun Kittisathaporn (การุณ กิตติสถาพร), indicated that inflation rates in September decreased for the first time in 18 months, resulting from the decrease of fuel prices.

Mr. Karun revealed that the inflation rate in September slipped 0.3 percent when compared its previous month. He said that the reduction of the inflation rate was due to many factors, including the decrease of benzene and diesel prices and the drop of food product prices. On the other hand, the prices of vegetables, fruits and rice are higher as their harvesting seasons have not arrived, and they have also been affected from floods.

Nevertheless, Mr. Karun said that the main factor influencing the country’s inflation rate is the oil prices, while expecting that the average of the inflation figures will stay at 4.5-5 percent.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 02 October 2006