Cost of Phuket living rises 4.9%

PHUKET: The consumer price index in Phuket increased 4.9% in 2006, comprising sharp increases in several food categories, the Phuket Commercial Affairs Office has reported.

Food and beverage prices increased 6% overall, led by sharp increases in fruits and vegetables (12.9%); basic ingredients (17%); and meat, poultry and seafood (8.6%).

The combined increases in all non-food-and-beverage categories was 4%, led by the rising costs of fuel and public transport.

K. Tada said the increases led to a decrease in consumer buying power, explaining that in 2006 consumers were paying 104.9 baht for the same quality and quantity of goods that would have cost 100 baht in 2005.

Although the Commercial Affairs Office cannot fix market prices, it monitors sales activity in fresh markets and large retail centers to ensure that all products are sold according to retail regulations, such as being correctly labeled.

K. Tada encouraged the public to report overinflated prices to either the Phuket Commercial Affairs Office at Tel: 076-212017 or the Phuket Internal Trade Office at Tel: 076-216418.