The Trade Policy and Strategy Office (TPSO) has reported that Thai households spent an average of 21,037 baht in May 2023.

Notably, housing-related expenses, including rent, electricity, and cooking gas, represented the highest component of these expenditures.

TPSO Director Poonpong Naiyanapakorn indicated that this spending trend unfolded amid a slight increase in the Consumer Price Index (CPI), which rose to 100.40 in May, compared to 100.14 in April.

Household expenditures are categorized into non-food and non-alcoholic beverage expenses, and those associated specifically with food and beverages.

According to the TPSO's findings, expenses unrelated to food and non-alcoholic beverages comprised 60.45% of total household spending.

Within this category, housing costs accounted for a substantial 24.56% of the average expenditure, equating to approximately 5,167 baht.

Further breakdowns of household spending reveal that transportation and fuel costs alongside mobile phone bills made up 22.16% of average total expenses, amounting to around 4,661 baht.

Healthcare-related spending was reported at 1,335 baht, or 6.36% of the total, while educational expenses reached 849 baht, corresponding to 4.04%.

Additionally, clothing expenditures were recorded at 440 baht, or 2.09% of total spending.

Lastly, spending on cigarettes and alcohol totaled 216 baht, accounting for 1.24% of overall household expenses.