BANGKOK (Reuters) – Thailand inflation charge returned to the goal vary for the primary time since Could final yr, lifted by increased vitality and meals costs, the commerce ministry stated on Monday.
Thai headline shopper value index rose 1.23% in December from a yr earlier, throughout the central financial institution’s goal of 1% to three%, after the earlier month’s annual improve of 0.95%, the ministry stated.
The determine in contrast with a forecast rise of 1.47% in a Reuters ballot.
The core CPI was up 0.79% in December from a yr earlier, just below a forecast improve of 0.81%.
In 2024, common annual headline inflation was 0.40%, with core inflation at 0.56%.
Headline inflation in January is anticipated to be about 1.25% and at above 1% within the first quarter of this yr, Poonpong Naiyanapakorn, director of the ministry’s commerce coverage and technique workplace, informed a press convention.
The ministry maintained its headline inflation forecast at between 0.3% and 1.3% in 2025, helped by anticipated stronger financial development and authorities stimulus measures.
Final month, Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira stated the Financial institution of Thailand must raise inflation to the midpoint of the goal vary and should make sure the baht was aggressive.
On Dec. 18, the central financial institution left its key rate of interest unchanged at 2.25%, after a shock minimize within the earlier evaluate in October.
It had forecast headline inflation of 1.1% in 2025. The subsequent charge evaluate is on Feb. 26.
