Strong baht forces up consumer prices

One wonders how the Commerce Ministry can keep the prices of consumer goods intact, as promised. Popular snacks sold in convenience stores are at least 30 per cent smaller in quantity – though in the same package. Chocolate bars are half the size they used to be. Last month the small hotel where I frequently stay in Udon began charging guests Bt10 instead of Bt7 for a bottle of water.

To tell us that the stronger baht has lowered the cost of raw materials amid stringent price-monitoring measures is like telling my children (many years ago) that it was Santa Claus who came around every Christmas Eve and laid gifts beside their bed. My friend in Udon told me that the hard currency her son earns overseas now converts to fewer baht, but will that make advocates of a strong baht soften their stance?

Yingwai Suchaovanich

Bangkok