In early April 2025, Thailand’s Department of Internal Trade announced a new initiative to stabilize prices on essential goods. According to department head Wiboonlak Ruamraks, certain product categories should become 8–25% cheaper due to subsidies, producer negotiations, and logistics optimization.
The list of 'discounted' items includes:
- Personal hygiene: toothpaste, soap, shampoo;
- Food staples: rice, milk, canned fish, eggs;
- Construction materials: cement, electrical wiring, fasteners.
Private retailers (including 7-Eleven, Big C, and Tesco Lotus) are expected to announce price reductions next week as part of the "Kong Dee Raka Kamsan" campaign ("Quality Goods at Low Prices").
Reality vs. Expectations
Yet many consumers remain skeptical. "Where are these discounts? Prices are going up," residents of Bangkok and Phuket write on social media. Indeed, according to the National Statistical Office (NSO), Thailand’s consumer price index rose 3.8% year-on-year, with notable increases in:
- Electricity & fuel (+12%),
- Public transport (+9%),
- Fruits & vegetables (+7%),
- Services (medical, utilities) — steady rise.
Experts explain the gap:
- Price cuts apply only to specific brands and promotional items, not entire categories.
- Many "new" prices are just a reversion to pre-inflation levels.
- Discounts often mask shrinkflation (e.g., shampoo bottles 10% smaller, same price).
What Is the Government Doing?
Yes, authorities are taking steps:
- Subsidies on rice and milk for low-income families.
- Price monitoring of 20 "strategic" goods.
- Tax incentives for local producers.
But as economists note, global forces outweigh local measures: oil prices, currency fluctuations, and logistics continue to pressure production costs.
Tips for Consumers
To save money in 2025:
- Compare prices — use apps like Priceza or Shopee Price Watch.
- Shop at local markets — fresh food is cheaper than supermarkets.
- Watch for deals at 7-Eleven and Big C — real discounts up to 20% on hygiene and food.
- Avoid imported brands — they’re pricier due to exchange rates.
For now, there is no widespread price drop in Thailand. What’s called "cheapening" is often just slowed inflation or temporary promotions. The government is trying — but inflation remains a challenge.
Consumers have one choice: stay alert, compare, and don’t believe headlines at face value.
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