On Wednesday, the Thai Ministry of Commerce revealed that the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for December 2025 stood at 100.19, down 0.28% compared to the same period last year. Although the index remained in negative territory, the decline slowed from November 2025, when it decreased by 0.49%.
The main factor exerting downward pressure on inflation during this period came from non-food and beverage categories, which saw prices fall by 1.43% year-on-year, especially energy goods such as electricity bills and fuel, following global crude oil price trends and the reduction of the diesel oil fund contribution rate.
Additionally, prices of personal care products, clothing, and cleaning supplies also declined due to intensified market competition among companies.
However, the food and non-alcoholic beverage category continued to rise by 1.53% year-on-year, driven by increases in prices of fresh vegetables, prepared foods, non-alcoholic drinks, and certain fish and seafood, resulting in ongoing price pressure for some product groups.
Meanwhile, the core inflation rate, which excludes fresh food and energy, stood at 0.59% year-on-year, down from the previous month, reflecting overall inflationary pressures in the economy remaining low.
For the 2026 inflation outlook, the ministry expects the general inflation rate to return to the range of 0.0–1.0%. Contributing factors include economic recovery, tourism growth, and government stimulus measures following the election. However, close monitoring is required for global oil prices, baht appreciation, the expansion of the Thai and global economies, as well as ongoing geopolitical and natural disaster risks.
