The Middle East war has dragged down the grassroots economy, with rising oil prices pushing up the cost of "pla salid," a prized product from Samut Prakan, sharply increasing prices to as much as 100 baht per kilogram. Vendors lament the drop in sales, while customers reluctantly reduce their purchase amounts to manage expenses.
On 2 April 2026, reporters surveyed the pla salid price situation in Phraek Sa Mai Subdistrict, Mueang Samut Prakan District, Samut Prakan Province, at a roadside pla salid shop near the entrance of Khlong A Siak. This is a key retail area where, during major festivals like Songkran and New Year, many people come to buy pla salid, often causing heavy traffic. However, the latest survey found the market atmosphere quite quiet, with noticeably fewer consumers.
Ms. Neeranut Winyupan, 50, owner of “Ole Pla Salid” shop, revealed that the cost of pla salid supplied to her store has been continuously rising. Prices vary by fish size, increasing by 20, 30, or 50 baht, with the largest size rising as much as 100 baht per kilogram. This has directly impacted operators, as customers' purchasing power has clearly declined.
She added that despite rising costs, vendors try to keep sale prices from increasing too much in order to sustain sales. Nevertheless, product prices mainly depend on wholesalers. Other costs, such as plastic bags for packaging pla salid, have also risen—from 70 baht to 84 baht per kilogram—further increasing vendors’ expenses.
Ms. Praijit Hongtawee, 49, a customer, said she has been affected by pla salid prices rising 20 to 30 baht per kilogram. Previously buying in large quantities, she now reduces her purchase amount, chooses smaller fish, and cuts back consumption to save household expenses.
The rise in product prices corresponds with increased energy costs impacted by instability in the Middle East. This has driven oil prices higher and affected transportation costs across many sectors, leading to rising prices for consumer goods, including pla salid, a signature product of Samut Prakan Province.