Inflation in April 2026 surged to the highest in 38 months, pushing up costs of seven fast food dishes by 10-25%, affecting daily wage earners. Examples include red pork rice, Hainanese chicken rice, papaya salad, and basil fried rice.
Data from the Trade Policy and Strategy Office surveyed 1,396 items and found costs rose for 136 items due to fuel price factors, causing April's inflation rate to jump 2.89%, the highest in 38 months.
It was found that prices of single-dish meals rose 10-25%, from 30-40 baht previously up to a maximum of 50 baht, including these menu items:
Fried rice
Pad see ew / Rad na
Red pork rice
Hainanese chicken rice
Papaya salad
Noodle soup
Basil fried rice
Nantapong Jiralertpong, Director of the Trade Policy and Strategy Office, revealed that Thailand's general consumer price index in April 2026 was 103.03 compared to 100.14 in April 2025, resulting in a 2.89% inflation rate increase. This was due to significant rises in domestic fuel prices linked to Middle East conflicts and the prolonged closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which also caused public transport fares to increase.
Meanwhile, prices of ready-made food rose as businesses passed higher costs onto consumers. Fresh vegetable prices increased due to extreme heat. Prices of other goods and services had less impact on inflation.
The general consumer price index in April 2026 increased 2.75% from March 2026, driven by a 3.79% (MoM) rise in non-food and beverage categories, especially fuel (diesel, gasohol, gasoline) prices, which rose following global crude oil prices affected by Middle East conflicts.
At the same time, public transport fares such as airfares, van fares, school shuttle fees, air-conditioned bus fares, small bus/two-row fares, and motorcycle taxi fares rose due to higher fuel costs. Personal care products (skin protection and care products, deodorants, perfumes, lipsticks, facial foam) increased after promotional periods ended.
Some goods and services saw price decreases, including cleaning products (laundry detergent, dishwashing liquid, floor cleaner, fabric softener), toll fees, hotel rooms, and some personal care items (shampoo, toothpaste, sanitary pads, body powder, hair conditioner). The food and non-alcoholic beverage category rose 1.13%, driven by key items such as fresh vegetables (lime, cucumber, long beans, Chinese cabbage, tomato) and eggs due to extreme heat reducing supply. Pork and fresh chicken prices increased due to higher animal feed and transportation costs. Food delivery prices rose as promotional periods ended. Noodle dishes, ready meals, and curry rice prices increased with rising costs, while prices of fresh fruits (mango, dragon fruit, banana), white rice, grilled chicken, chili paste, soft drinks, and canned coconut milk declined.
The general inflation rate in May 2026 is expected to remain positive, supported by factors driving higher overall inflation.