Chiang Mai:As the Vegetarian Festival begins on October 10th, vegetable prices are surging, impacting both vendors and consumers. A survey conducted by a team from the Thai News Agency revealed that at the Muang Mai Market in Chiang Mai, a major wholesale market, business remains sluggish despite the festival's approach.
According to Thai News Agency, vendors like Air, who operates a vegetable stall at Muang Mai Market, reported that the festival atmosphere is subdued this year. While the prices of some vegetables remain stable, others have escalated. Celery, for instance, has nearly doubled in price from 60-70 baht per kilogram last week to 120 baht per kilogram today. Cauliflower has also increased from 30 to 50 baht per kilogram, although prices for garlic, fresh peppercorns, bird's eye chilies, and coriander have remained relatively stable, fluctuating based on supply.
In Khon Kaen, at the Bang Lamphu Market, prices for many fresh vegetables have risen significantly. Kale now costs 80 baht per kilogram, up from 40 baht, while coriander has increased to 150 baht per kilogram from 100-120 baht. Spring onions have also reached 150 baht per kilogram. Other vegetables, including Chinese cabbage, lettuce, long beans, chili peppers, and celery, have also seen price hikes.
Customers in Khon Kaen have noted the substantial rise in prices for food ingredients, especially vegetables. This increase in costs, along with rising prices for pork and eggs, has prevented sellers from lowering their selling prices significantly, thereby reducing their profits. A vendor at Bang Lamphu Market mentioned that increased fuel costs and flooding have contributed to the price hikes, coupled with the heightened demand due to the Vegetarian Festival.
The market is gearing up for a 10-day vegetarian food festival from October 9th to 18th, offering a range of vegetarian dishes starting at 30 baht despite the high ingredient costs. Some vendors will participate in the Thai Help Thai Plus 60/40 project to alleviate financial burdens on consumers.
In response to rising prices, the subcommittee for consumer protection in Khon Kaen province is encouraging vendors to display price tags to prevent consumer exploitation and is actively monitoring prices during the festival.