Thais cut back on staple as inflation eats into instant noodle prices

Thailand’s noodle makers earlier this month urged the government to allow a price rise of their staple as inflation drives costs up

Instant noodles are a popular diet for low-income Thais, whose purchasing habits have given economists a look into the health of the economy

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People look at instant noodles at the Good Noodle store in Bangkok, Thailand. Photo: Reuters

Published: 6:30pm, 31 Aug 2022Updated: 7:08pm, 31 Aug 2022

Every week, Bangkok bus inspector Chayaklit Kitinarong buys several packs of instant noodles, a ubiquitous staple which powers millions of Thais through the day.

But the 46-year-old says he is likely to cut down on his intake after the six baht (16 US cents) pack nudged up to seven baht, as across-the-board inflation hits Thais in their pockets.

Chayaklit, who supplements his income by driving motorcycle taxis, said the one baht increase was marginal, but taken together with a major hike in fuel for his bike, cutbacks would have to be made.

“I have been paying double for fuel in the past weeks [so it is better that] I don’t eat instant noodles as often as before,” he said.

A vendor cooks at a street food stall in Bangkok. Prices for various items have been on the rise in Thailand. Photo: Bloomberg

The energy crisis spurred by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has driven the surge in inflation in a Southeast Asian economy which has shown signs of flickering back to life after the coronavirus pandemic.

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