Thailand’s headline inflation rose 2.53% year-on-year in August 2026, up sharply from 1.95% in July, driven mainly by fuel prices that remain higher than a year ago. Meanwhile, core inflation reached 1.44%.
The Ministry of Commerce estimates third-quarter inflation will average around 2.37%, and if Middle East tensions persist, the fourth quarter could approach 2.7% — though the full-year forecast range of 1.5–2.5% remains unchanged.
The main driver was domestic fuel prices, which have stayed elevated compared with last year amid ongoing conflict in the Middle East, compounded by additional economic sanctions and military operations.
At the same time, prices rose broadly for ready-to-eat food and fresh food — particularly eggs, fresh chicken, fresh vegetables and fruit — partly reflecting stronger purchasing power from the “Thai Chuay Thai Plus” stimulus program and reduced output in some crops due to erratic weather.
The non-food and beverage category rose 2.23%, driven by fuel prices, public transport fares, rent and cleaning products — while electricity charges, hotel room rates, some personal-care items and certain clothing categories became cheaper.
Compared with July 2026, the CPI rose 0.56%, with food and non-alcoholic beverages up 0.78%. Notable increases came from eggs, pork, fresh chicken, jasmine rice, fast food and food delivery — some rising as promotional campaigns ended, while ready-to-eat food prices continued passing through higher costs.
Average headline inflation for the first eight months of 2026 stood at 1.37% year-on-year.
