Thai April consumer prices rise for first time since Dec 2014
Add BT as a preferred source
[BANGKOK] Thailand's headline consumer prices, which had fallen 15 months in a row, rose slightly in April on an annual basis thanks to higher prices of food, vegetables and tobacco.
The index, published by the Commerce Ministry on Monday, nudged up 0.07 per cent in April from a year earlier. A Reuters poll forecast a 0.1 per cent fall.
The core inflation rate, which strips out raw food and energy prices, increased 0.78 per cent in April from a year earlier, roughly in line with the 0.71 per cent seen in the poll.
Inflation has also been curbed by state controls and subsidies plus weak consumption amid high household debt.
The Bank of Thailand has left its policy interest rate unchanged at 1.50 per cent since April 2015.
A top central bank official told Reuters last week there was no need for a rate cut now as the economy should grow 3.1 per cent as forecast.
Navigate Asia in
a new global order
Get the insights delivered to your inbox.
The BOT next reviews monetary policy on May 11. Most analysts expect no change but some forecast a cut.
REUTERS
Share with us your feedback on BT's products and services
