BANGKOK, Nov 1 – Thailand’s inflation rate in October remained at 116.82, but reflected an increase of 3.32 per cent year-on-year, said Permanent Secretary for Commerce Watchari Wimuktayon.
It was an increase at a slower pace due to decreasing fresh food prices.
Food and beverage rose 3.35 per cent, rice and starch 1.57 per cent, fish and other aquatic animals 2.98 per cent, vegetable and fruit 12.77 per cent and instant food 3.56 per cent.
Average inflation in the first ten months rose 2.99 per cent year-on-year, lower than the commerce ministry’s projection at 3-3.4 per cent. If inflation rate drops in the remaining two months of the year, the whole average inflation will stay around 3 per cent.
Consumer price index in October was up 0.13 per cent year-on-year. Prices of major food items such as fruit, pork, chicken and eggs fell while prices of fresh vegetables, rice, milk and dairy products, and instant foods were higher.
The government’s measure to peg goods and diesel prices eased inflationary pressure. Inflation in the fourth quarter is projected to stay around 3.2-3.5
