Price Trends of Core and Non-core Foods in Thailand: An Analysis of Consumer Price Index

OBJECTIVES: Understanding how the development of obesogenic food environments, especially in pricing policies can help policymakers to identify effective ways to address the increasing prevalence of obesity. This study was conducted to investigate the relative time trends of prices of core (healthy) and non-core foods (less-healthy) in Thailand from 2002 to 2021 using the Thai Consumer Price Index (CPI). METHODS: Monthly nominal CPI was obtained from the Bureau of Trade and Economic Indices. The food group's index was furtherly categorized into ‘core’ or ‘non-core’ foods. Trends in prices were examined using ordinary least square regressions and correcting for possible auto-correlation using the Newey-West method. RESULTS: During the term of 2002 to 2021, the overall percentage raise per month in the price for food and non-alcoholic beverages was 0.468%, notably, the prices of vegetables and fruits experienced double increases by 0.926%, and 0.969%, respectively. The CPI for core foods has risen at a marginally higher, albeit statistically non-significant, rate than non-core foods (0.529% vs. 0.336%, respectively). The analysis of selected groupings reveals interesting patterns. ‘Milk and dairy products' has surged in price, significantly more than ‘non-alcoholic beverages’, whereas the prices of ‘sugar and sweet' has increased significantly more than ‘flours and cereal products’. CONCLUSIONS: This examination of food price trends reveals notable differences between core and non-core foods in Thailand. Future studies need to investigate the extent to which such changes in the food environment have actually contributed to individual food consumption behaviors and consequent diet-related diseases (e.g., obesity). FUNDING SOURCES: This research received no funding.