Inflation in Thailand is expected to increase by only 0.5% year-on-year in May, the lowest in Asean, because of a decline in the prices of fresh food such as pork and chicken, says Commerce Minister Jurin Laksanawisit.
Speaking on Friday about domestic inflation as well as goods and crop prices, Mr Jurin said Thai inflation has eased this year.
The official rate is scheduled to be announced on June 6 by the Trade Policy and Strategy Office.
He said the May rate is considered the lowest in Asean, with Thailand ranking 14th or 15th lowest in terms of inflation among 130 countries.
According to Mr Jurin, the easing of inflation is reflected in the prices of consumer goods, especially food products, which are becoming cheaper.
For example, the price of pork is on a downward trend and is currently lower than the benchmark price by about 40 baht per kilogramme, or 20%,…
