10-baht noodles survive in Ratchaburi despite rising prices

RATCHABURI — 16 May 2026, a noodle vendor in Ratchaburi has continued selling bowls for 10 baht despite rising ingredient and fuel costs, offering one of the cheapest meals still available as inflation continues to affect household spending in Thailand.

The stall, operated by 59-year-old Jiraprapa Chulert, known locally as "Jae Tor," sits beside a road near the Kobkul Bridge crossing the Mae Klong River in Tha Rab subdistrict, Mueang district. The small cart-based shop attracts students, labourers and local residents seeking low-cost meals.

The shop serves several noodle varieties, including nam tok, a rich Thai-style boat noodle soup, tom yum noodles with a spicy and sour broth, clear soup noodles and yen ta fo, a pink noodle soup made with fermented tofu sauce. All dishes are priced at 10 baht per bowl. Jiraprapa said the price has remained unchanged for about eight years despite repeated increases in the cost of meat, vegetables and other ingredients.

She said many of her regular customers are workers and schoolchildren from a nearby school, and raising prices would make meals less affordable for some families. Jiraprapa said the business now earns far less than it once did because operating costs have steadily increased. After expenses, she said the stall typically brings in around 500 to 600 baht per day, relying on large customer volume rather than profit margins.

She added that the income has helped support three grandchildren through vocational school, although maintaining the 10-baht price has become increasingly difficult as raw material costs continue to rise. The stall opens daily from 08:00 to 14:00 or until sold out.

Customers at the shop described the noodles as inexpensive at a time when many everyday goods have become more expensive. One customer said two bowls for 20 baht was still enough for a full meal, adding that prices at most food stalls have increased significantly in recent years.