Thailand to Review Consumer Price Index After Data Seen Misaligned With Rising Household Costs
Government examines inflation measurement as official CPI figures understate cost-of-living pressures felt by Thai households
Thailand has announced a review of its Consumer Price Index (CPI) methodology following concerns that current inflation metrics do not accurately reflect elevated household costs experienced by many citizens.
The move comes after official data showed persistent low or negative CPI readings, prompting policymakers and economists to reassess whether the existing index adequately captures the real cost pressures faced by Thai families.
The government’s decision to examine the CPI framework highlights growing unease over a disconnect between headline inflation statistics and daily price increases reported by consumers.
Recent figures from the Bureau of Trade and Economic Indices indicate that Thailand’s headline CPI remained virtually flat or slightly negative in late 2025, with official data recording modest month-on-month increases but annual comparisons showing price declines in key categories.
Over several months, headline inflation has remained below the Bank of Thailand’s target range of one to three percent, with broader measures showing continued softness in overall price levels.
Core CPI, which excludes volatile energy and food items, has posted modest year-on-year gains but remains subdued relative to broader economic expectations.
Analysts say that these subdued official readings contrast sharply with widespread reports of rising costs for essentials like housing, transportation and utilities, which many households report have climbed significantly.
Independent surveys and market reports underscore the tension between headline statistics and lived experience.
A recent nationwide survey found that a significant share of Thai citizens cite rising prices of essential goods and services as a major concern, even as official figures suggest deflation or low inflation in aggregate.
Cost pressures related to food, housing and transport have risen markedly for many families, contributing to perceptions that the CPI may understate the true burden of inflation on household budgets.
These concerns have gained traction among economists and business leaders, prompting calls for a more nuanced approach to inflation measurement.
Thailand’s planned review of the CPI methodology is intended to address these divergences by exploring adjustments to basket weights, regional consumption patterns and other technical factors that influence how price changes are captured in official statistics.
Government officials have framed the review as part of a broader commitment to enhance economic policy frameworks and ensure that key indicators align more closely with citizen experiences.
As the review unfolds, policymakers will weigh potential revisions that could improve the relevance of inflation data for both economic decision-making and public understanding.
The outcome of this process could have implications for monetary policy, social planning and how Thailand gauges overall economic wellbeing in a period of evolving cost-of-living dynamics.
The move comes after official data showed persistent low or negative CPI readings, prompting policymakers and economists to reassess whether the existing index adequately captures the real cost pressures faced by Thai families.
The government’s decision to examine the CPI framework highlights growing unease over a disconnect between headline inflation statistics and daily price increases reported by consumers.
Recent figures from the Bureau of Trade and Economic Indices indicate that Thailand’s headline CPI remained virtually flat or slightly negative in late 2025, with official data recording modest month-on-month increases but annual comparisons showing price declines in key categories.
Over several months, headline inflation has remained below the Bank of Thailand’s target range of one to three percent, with broader measures showing continued softness in overall price levels.
Core CPI, which excludes volatile energy and food items, has posted modest year-on-year gains but remains subdued relative to broader economic expectations.
Analysts say that these subdued official readings contrast sharply with widespread reports of rising costs for essentials like housing, transportation and utilities, which many households report have climbed significantly.
Independent surveys and market reports underscore the tension between headline statistics and lived experience.
A recent nationwide survey found that a significant share of Thai citizens cite rising prices of essential goods and services as a major concern, even as official figures suggest deflation or low inflation in aggregate.
Cost pressures related to food, housing and transport have risen markedly for many families, contributing to perceptions that the CPI may understate the true burden of inflation on household budgets.
These concerns have gained traction among economists and business leaders, prompting calls for a more nuanced approach to inflation measurement.
Thailand’s planned review of the CPI methodology is intended to address these divergences by exploring adjustments to basket weights, regional consumption patterns and other technical factors that influence how price changes are captured in official statistics.
Government officials have framed the review as part of a broader commitment to enhance economic policy frameworks and ensure that key indicators align more closely with citizen experiences.
As the review unfolds, policymakers will weigh potential revisions that could improve the relevance of inflation data for both economic decision-making and public understanding.
The outcome of this process could have implications for monetary policy, social planning and how Thailand gauges overall economic wellbeing in a period of evolving cost-of-living dynamics.
