In Uthai Thani, the price of bottled drinking water has risen by 5 baht per pack due to increased costs from oil prices, transportation fees, and the plastic pellets used to produce the bottles. Vendors lament the very quiet business and urge the Prime Minister to promptly address the problem.
On 23 March 2026 in Uthai Thani province, reporters surveyed bottled water prices at shop number 120 on Rak Kardi Road, Mueang district, approximately 500 meters before the Wat Sangkhas Rattanakiri intersection. The shop owner, Ms. Thiptai Chantisara, 43, has run the store for less than a month.
She revealed that the bottled water prices from the factory have been steadily rising. The factory supplying her both retail and wholesale explained that the plastic bottles purchased for filling have increased in price, and delivery costs are high because truck fuel prices rise daily. Therefore, water prices must be adjusted upward.
Currently, small bottled water has increased from 25 baht per pack to 30 baht, medium-sized bottles also rose from 25 to 30 baht, and large bottles went up from 30 baht to 35 baht per pack.
Ms. Thiptai said she has changed the price signs four times already due to continuous price increases for bottled water. Some customers inquire then leave without buying, thinking the price is too high. However, regular customers understand the abnormal situation due to the ongoing Middle East conflict.
At the same time, the shop owner added that if the government does not resolve the impacts from this war, the bottled water business will likely fail. The shop just opened recently and had steady daily customers because bottled water is essential for daily drinking. But with rising wholesale prices, business has become very quiet; customers who used to buy regularly have stopped and seek cheaper stores instead.
Reporters also checked prices elsewhere and found similar increases as at Ms. Thiptai's shop. The current oil shortage crisis is having a significant impact, and the public hopes the situation will return to normal soon.