Jasmine flower shortage raises prices for Mother’s Day

Skyrocketing prices and a shortage of local jasmine flowers marked this Mother’s Day, driven by fluctuating weather conditions.

In Khon Kaen, many florists at the Thetsabarn 1 Fresh Market have turned to imports from Indonesia due to more affordable prices. A 65 year old florist, Noorian, noted that continuous rain has hindered the blooming of local jasmine flowers this year.

“Thai jasmine flowers are priced at 1,500 baht per kilogramme, while Indonesian jasmine flowers are priced at 1,000 baht/kg. Thai jasmine flowers are hard to find this year.”

An 82 year old Garland maker, Malasri, mentioned that she had to resort to using white flowers like dok pud (Tabernaemontana pandacaqui) buds in place of jasmine due to the shortage.

Jasmine flowers, symbolising Mother’s Day with their white colour and enduring fragrance, have seen a dramatic price increase. Typically, during the off-peak season, jasmine flowers cost between 300 and 600 baht per kg, depending on size.

This year, however, prices have surged to four times that amount, with jasmine costing 2,400 to 2,600 baht per kg in Nakhon Ratchasima.

Government spokesperson Chai Wacharonke invited the public to join Mother’s Day celebrations at Sanam Luang today. Activities include offering alms to 193 monks and novices at 7.30am, followed by a birthday ceremony for Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother at 7.19pm.

Celebrations are also planned at City Halls nationwide. Additionally, individuals can write their well wishes for Her Majesty on the Bureau of the Royal Household’s website (www.royaloffice.th) until tomorrow, reported Bangkok Post.

In related news, Tourism income from 2.6 million domestic trips during this year’s Mother’s Day holiday in Thailand is projected to reach 9.39 billion baht, slightly down from July’s 9.58 billion baht.

Tourism Authority of Thailand Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool attributed the decline to high household debts, cost of living, and exhausted travel budgets. High-income individuals are opting for affordable overseas trips instead.