Thai household costs surge: survey reveals rising living expenses

A recent survey conducted by the Trade Policy and Strategy Office (TPSO) at the Ministry of Commerce has revealed a significant increase in Thai households' living expenses. 

The survey found that average monthly household expenditure in December reached 18,207 baht.

TPSO director Poonpong Nayanapakorn highlighted a 1.23% rise in headline inflation in December 2024, with the Consumer Price Index reaching 108.28 compared with 106.96 in December 2023. 

Core inflation, excluding fresh food and energy, increased by 0.79%, slightly lower than the 0.80% recorded in November 2024.

The survey data further revealed that non-food and non-alcoholic-beverage expenses accounted for 58.20% of household expenditure. Key contributors included:

• Transport: 4,222 baht per month (23.19%) – encompassing public-transport fares, vehicle purchases, and fuel costs.
• Housing: 4,004 baht per month (21.99%) – comprising house rent, building materials, electricity, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), and home appliances.
• Health Care: 983 baht per month (5.40%) – including doctor's fees, medication, and personal services.
• Education & Recreation: 768 baht per month (4.22%) – covering books, recreation expenses, tuition fees, and charitable contributions.
• Clothing & Footwear: 373 baht per month (2.05%).
• Tobacco & Alcohol: 245 baht per month (1.34%).

Food and non-alcoholic-beverage expenses constituted 41.80% of household expenditure, with the following key contributors:

• Home-Delivered Food: 1,681 baht per month (9.24%).
• Meat: 1,652 baht per month (9.07%).
• Restaurant Meals: 1,295 baht per month (7.12%) – including meals eaten outside the home.
• Fruits & Vegetables: 1,001 baht per month (5.50%).
• Rice & Flour Products: 717 baht per month (3.94%).
• Seasonings: 438 baht per month (2.41%).
• Non-Alcoholic Beverages: 418 baht per month (2.30%).
• Eggs & Dairy: 408 baht per month (2.24%).
   

The survey identified the top five expenditure categories for Thai households as follows:

1. Transport
2. Housing
3. Home-Delivered Food
4. Meat
5. Restaurant Meals

These findings underscore the significant impact of rising living costs on Thai households, highlighting the need for continued monitoring and appropriate policy responses.