Prices of veggies rise due to vegetarian festival

BANGKOK, Oct 1 (TNA) -- The price of vegetables have risen by about 5-20 baht as the Vegetarian Festival started, while vendors admitted that their veggie sales have slightly lowered . Shoppers were actively seen shopping for vegetables at the Talad Thai market, since today is the first day of the Vegetarian Festival 2016, scheduled to be held between October 1-9. Vendors have voiced the market would become more lively at nights, as vegetarian food shops select and purchase veggies and ingredients to cook meals set to be sold during the day the next day. For this year, vegetables prices have hiked by about 5-20 baht. One of the vegetable sellers at Talad Thai market said the fluctuating climate is the main reason for high prices, causing some of the crops to not grow in time and some to be spoiled during deliveries to various markets. Some vendors even went as far as to deal directly with farmers three months ahead of the festival, in order to ensure that they would enough vegetables for sales during the festivity. In the mean time, vegetable stalls admitted that sales have lowered slightly from last year, due to the sluggish economy, which in turn lower the spending power of the people, prompting most to be more careful on their spending. The most popular veggies for this year festival include napa cabbage, cabbage, and water spinach. (TNA)