Thailand’s inflation for 2013 expected to stay between 2.8-3.4%

BANGKOK, Dec 30 (TNA) - Thailand’s inflation for the calendar 2012 is initially projected at 3 per cent while it is forecast to stay between 2.8 to 3.4 per cent for 2013, Permanent Secretary for Commerce Vatchari Vimooktayon said on Sunday. The Commerce Ministry is scheduled to announce inflation for 2012 and 2013 this Wednesday. Mrs. Vatchari said goods manufacturers had informed the ministry that they did not plan to raise consumer goods prices in 2013 because prices of necessary raw materials imported from overseas remained stable while there are no shortages of raw materials in Thailand. Therefore, it is unnecessary to increase consumer goods prices in the kingdom, she said. In order to contain prices of certain consumer goods such as pork and chicken meat in the country, Mrs. Vatchari said responsible ministries including commerce, and the agriculture and cooperatives are exploring ways to help raisers in reducing losses. (TNA)