Advertisement
Thais cut back on staple as inflation eats into instant noodle prices
- Thailand’s noodle makers earlier this month urged the government to allow a price rise of their staple as inflation drives costs up
- Instant noodles are a popular diet for low-income Thais, whose purchasing habits have given economists a look into the health of the economy
Reading Time:3 minutes
Why you can trust SCMP
Every week, Bangkok bus inspector Chayaklit Kitinarong buys several packs of instant noodles, a ubiquitous staple which powers millions of Thais through the day.
Advertisement
But the 46-year-old says he is likely to cut down on his intake after the six baht (16 US cents) pack nudged up to seven baht, as across-the-board inflation hits Thais in their pockets.
Chayaklit, who supplements his income by driving motorcycle taxis, said the one baht increase was marginal, but taken together with a major hike in fuel for his bike, cutbacks would have to be made.
“I have been paying double for fuel in the past weeks [so it is better that] I don’t eat instant noodles as often as before,” he said.
The energy crisis spurred by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has driven the surge in inflation in a Southeast Asian economy which has shown signs of flickering back to life after the coronavirus pandemic.
Advertisement
Advertisement