Core CPI Stable As Vegetables Kept The Party Going For Thailand

Economic Research	02 June 2016
Thailand
Economic Highlights
Core CPI Stable As Vegetables Kept The Party Going For Thailand Thailand’s consumer price index (CPI) stayed in the green for the second successive month, climbing 0.5% y-o-y in May, consolidating from its 0.1% rise a month earlier. The pick-up in growth was driven almost exclusively by a 15.7% y-o-y surge in prices of vegetables & fruits, leading to an acceleration in food & beverage prices during the month. The cost of vegetables & fruit gained 5.3% in April, but took another leg up as the El-Nino induced drought resulted in a scarcity of produce. Omitting food items, prices were largely stable, as reflected by core CPI, which climbed 0.8% y-o-y in May, unchanged the month before. Amongst non-food items, cost of transport & communications declined at a slower pace in May. However, the gains were offset by an accelerated plunge in utility prices. Economist:  Ng Kee Chou  | +603 9280 2179
To access our recent reports please click on the links below: 01 June: Consumer Spending Shored Up Economic Growth In April 01 June: MPI Growth Slowed  On Easing E&E Manufacturing 26 May: Thai Exports Relapse In April 17 May: Thai GDP Takes Off As Exports Cease To Be A Drag 12 May: BOT Keeps Policy Rate Unchanged 03 May: Significant Step Up In Thai Capacity Utilisation As MPI Uptrend Becomes Entrenched 03 May: Thai CPI Breaks Losing Streak On Rising Energy And Food Prices