A survey of vegetable prices at Municipal Fresh Market 2 in Uthai Thani city found that "red Jinda chili" prices have soared to 280 baht per kilogram. Vendors complain that it is more expensive than pork. This is believed to be due to higher transportation costs because the chilies are imported from China.
On 12 January 2026, a reporter surveyed vegetable prices at Municipal Fresh Market 2 in Mueang District, Uthai Thani Province, along the Sakae Krang River. Consumers purchasing chilies found the price to be as high as 280 baht per kilogram. The reporter spoke with Mrs. Somkhwan Surarit, 64, a vegetable vendor with over 10 years of experience, who said that prices of other vegetables remain stable and not expensive—for example, Chinese kale is 70-80 baht per kilogram, and spring onions are 80-100 baht per kilogram. However, for more than a month, red Jinda chili, which is a large-seeded chili with a bright red color, has been expensive. Most of these chilies are grown in China and then exported to sell in Thailand. Middlemen transport them by truck to sell to vendors in various markets, including Municipal Fresh Market in Uthai Thani city.
Currently, red Jinda chili prices are 280 baht per kilogram, a very high price compared to pork per kilogram. Restaurant customers who come to buy chilies for making seafood dipping sauce, which requires both red Jinda chili and bird's eye chili to achieve an appealing color, all complain similarly and have started buying in smaller amounts (in 100-gram units) instead of by the kilogram.
The cause is believed to be rising transportation costs; as costs increase, chili prices rise accordingly. During the New Year period, demand is so high that the market nearly runs out. Consumers have turned to buying bird's eye chilies grown in Thailand instead, as they are cheaper.
However, it is normal each year for vegetable prices to have peak periods. It is expected that red Jinda chili prices will eventually drop back down to about 100 baht per kilogram.