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Thailand’s headline inflation continued to decline in June, with the consumer price index (CPI) falling 0.25% year-on-year, according to data released by the Commerce Ministry on Monday. The figure marked a slight improvement from May’s 0.57% annual drop but still came in below economists’ expectations. A Reuters poll had forecast a milder decrease of 0.10%.
This marks the ninth consecutive month of negative inflation, keeping the rate well under the Bank of Thailand’s inflation target range of 1% to 3%. Weak consumer demand and falling energy prices have been key drivers behind the sustained deflationary trend.
Despite the overall drop in headline inflation, Thailand’s core CPI—which excludes volatile items like fresh food and energy—rose 1.06% in June compared to the same period last year. This was slightly lower than the 1.10% increase forecast by analysts, indicating moderate underlying inflationary pressure.
The persistent deflation raises questions about the central bank’s monetary policy stance. While the Bank of Thailand has kept interest rates unchanged in recent meetings, continued price weakness could add pressure for a rate cut to support domestic demand and boost economic activity.
Thailand’s economy has struggled to maintain momentum amid weak exports, soft consumer spending, and sluggish tourism recovery. Falling prices, though potentially beneficial for consumers in the short term, may weigh on corporate earnings and investment confidence if sustained too long.
As inflation remains well below target, markets will closely watch the central bank’s next move amid global economic uncertainty and domestic fiscal challenges. With the core CPI still showing positive gains, policymakers may take a cautious approach, aiming to balance price stability with growth concerns.
