Thailand’s consumer price index (CPI) for December increased by 1.23% from the previous year, falling short of the 1.47% rise anticipated by analysts in a Reuters poll, according to the Ministry of Commerce. Meanwhile, the core CPI, which strips out volatile food and energy prices, saw a 0.79% year-over-year increase, slightly below the forecasted 0.81%.
This is the first time in seven months that inflation has returned to the target range, lifted by higher energy and food prices.
The lower-than-expected inflation readings reflect moderated price hikes across various sectors. This trend suggests easing inflationary pressures as the country heads into 2025, with headline inflation projected at a notably rise of 1% in the first quarter.