Nakhon Ratchasima: A survey of prices at Korat fresh markets reveals pork and fresh vegetables leading price increases following rising oil prices. The public appeals to the government for swift action to resolve livelihood issues and control the ongoing rise in essential consumer goods prices.
On 22 March 2026, reporters visited fresh markets in Sikhiu District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province, following the outbreak of conflict in the Middle East, which has had widespread impacts, especially on fuel. Many countries worldwide, including Thailand, have urgently implemented energy-saving measures. These issues have affected transportation costs and are pushing prices of goods to increase if price controls cannot be maintained.
When interviewing vendors at Sikhiu Market, all expressed serious concern. Uncle Nuad (name withheld), a vegetable seller, said, “Business is very quiet now. The economic downturn has already reduced domestic purchasing power, and now the war has made fuel expensive and scarce, affecting transportation. Prices of various goods are preparing to rise. However, vegetable stalls in outlying districts have not been greatly affected yet because in the hot season, vegetables wilt easily and yield less, like limes and cucumbers, which have already seen price increases according to market forces. Other vegetables remain stable at usual prices. But with fuel expensive and hard to find, we also suffer because we have to queue for fuel, wasting time, and sometimes the fuel we get isn't enough. I want the government to urgently fix this so there is enough fuel like before because everyone is struggling, especially farmers who rely on fuel for agricultural machinery.”
Another fresh vegetable seller at Sikhiu Market, Mrs. Muay (name withheld), said, “Several vegetables in my shop have already increased in price. During the hot season, lettuce, spring onions, coriander, and celery wilt easily, resulting in lower yields. Currently, coriander is priced at 120 baht per kilogram, spring onions at 80 baht per kilogram, culantro at 400 baht per bag, and celery at 120 baht per kilogram. Several other vegetables like kale have also started to increase in price, which greatly affects vegetable vendors.”
She added, “We want the government and relevant agencies to help keep prices reasonable and not let them rise too much because it will be hard to sell. Almost all goods are already expensive. If prices rise again, it will be very difficult. Fuel is also hard to find. When we drive 60 kilometers each trip to the wholesale market in the city to buy vegetables, we can only fill small amounts of fuel, and it is hard to find. We want the government to solve the fuel problem first.”
Meanwhile, Mrs. Ketmanee Khuemyarach, 50, owner of a pork shop in Sikhiu Market, said, “Pork cuts have increased in price by 4-5 baht per kilogram. Our shop has to raise prices accordingly; otherwise, there will be no profit. Frequently used cuts like red pork, belly, loin, and neck have gone up by 4-5 baht each. For example, pork neck with fat sells at 160 baht per kilogram, loin at 140 baht per kilogram. Regular customers get slightly better prices. Offal such as liver, blood pudding, intestines, and hearts remain at the same price. The reason is likely due to the difficulty and high cost of fuel, which raises transportation costs and pushes up prices of other goods. We want the government to urgently address this issue.”
At the same time, Mr. Safe (pseudonym), 19, a shopper, said, “Today, I bought vegetables at normal prices. No vegetable is outrageously expensive yet, but I want the government to maintain stable and fair prices suitable for the current difficult economic situation.”