Thai household spending rises as fuel and travel costs bite

Thai households spent an average 21,217 baht a month in the first nine months of 2026, an increase of 326 baht from the same period last year, with higher fuel and transport costs accounting for most of the rise.

The Trade Policy and Strategy Office (TPSO) under the Commerce Ministry said average monthly household expenditure between January and September increased from 20,891 baht in the same period of 2025.

The main pressure came from transport and communications, particularly higher retail fuel prices, while spending on prepared food also increased in line with production and transportation costs.

Food remains largest household expense

Food and non-alcoholic beverages remained the largest spending category at an average 8,342 baht a month, up 118 baht from a year earlier.

Prepared food accounted for 3,528 baht, rising from 3,435 baht a month, an increase of 93 baht.

Average expenditure on rice, flour and flour-based products rose 14 baht to 736 baht.

Households also spent an average of 705 baht on non-alcoholic beverages, 374 baht on eggs and dairy products, 186 baht on sugar products and 1,026 baht on vegetables and fruit, with each category edging higher.

By contrast, spending on meat, poultry and aquatic products fell 15 baht to 1,536 baht, while expenditure on seasonings and cooking ingredients declined 6 baht to 252 baht.

The figures point to a shift towards prepared meals and eating outside the home as households increasingly prioritise convenience and speed.

Housing costs ease slightly

Housing was the second-largest expense at 5,117 baht a month, down 17 baht from a year earlier, partly reflecting lower electricity charges.

Several other spending categories also declined.

Medical treatment and personal services averaged 1,327 baht a month, down 5 baht, while clothing and footwear fell 4 baht to 444 baht.

Tobacco and alcoholic beverages edged down by 1 baht to 250 baht a month.

Transport costs show biggest increase

Transport and communications recorded the largest increase, rising 228 baht from a year earlier to an average 4,895 baht a month.

The category accounted for 23.07% of total household expenditure.

TPSO attributed the increase mainly to higher retail fuel prices and public transport fares following increases in global energy costs.

Spending on recreation, reading, education and religious activities also edged higher, rising 7 baht to 842 baht a month.

Geopolitical tensions push up living costs

TPSO said prolonged geopolitical conflicts overseas had disrupted global energy supplies and pushed up domestic fuel prices.

The increases have filtered through to travel, freight and food-production costs.

At the same time, changing household lifestyles have increased demand for prepared food instead of ingredients for cooking at home, further lifting expenditure in that category.

Some households, however, appear to be tightening their budgets by reducing spending on items that can be postponed, including clothing and alcoholic beverages, as they seek to preserve liquidity for essential everyday costs.

Flooding poses fresh risk to household bills

TPSO expects household expenditure to remain elevated in the coming months, with global oil-price volatility continuing to pose a key risk.

Year-end economic activity and holiday travel could also increase energy demand, potentially feeding through into retail prices.

Flooding in several parts of Thailand presents another near-term concern.

Damage to farmland could cause short-term volatility in agricultural prices, particularly fresh vegetables, while disruption to transport routes could affect distribution and supplies.

Flood-affected households could also face additional expenses for building materials, home repairs, electrical appliances and household equipment damaged by water.

Overall, TPSO said the expenditure structure showed that fuel, transport and food remain the main influences on Thailand’s cost of living, with energy prices capable of passing through into freight costs and the prices of a wide range of consumer goods.

The impact of flooding on agricultural output, logistics and distribution will therefore remain an important factor to monitor during the rest of the year.