Annual inflation negative for fourth month in a row

Thailand’s annual inflation rate was negative for a fourth consecutive month in July, driven by lower prices for energy and some agricultural goods, but the economy was not suffering from deflation, according to the Commerce Ministry.

- PHUSADEE ARUNMAS

Headline inflation fell by 0.7% year-on-year to 100.15 in July, said Poonpong Naiyanapakorn, director-general of the Trade Policy and Strategy Office.

The decline was attributed to a continuous price reduction for fresh vegetables, fresh fruit, personal care items and energy prices.

The average consumer price index during the first seven months of the year increased by 0.21% year-on-year.