Meanwhile, businesses face mounting pressure as higher energy costs threaten to drive up production expenses and deepen the energy crisis. Raw material prices remain largely stable because the government is subsidising fuel prices and warning suppliers against raising prices. However, the consumer price index could accelerate in March as energy prices surge following the war. Trawut Luangsomboon, chief executive and co-founder of Jitta Wealth, warned interest rates could rise if the Middle East conflict continues to push up inflation. "Even without war, people were already struggling with high energy prices," said Mr Aat.

Source: Bangkok Post March 15, 2026 22:39 UTC