Floods Spike Vegetable Prices Ahead of Thailand's Vegetarian Festival
Floods across Thailand have reduced vegetable supplies, causing prices to double ahead of the annual vegetarian festival. In Yala, lettuce now costs 180 baht per kilogram, up from 70 baht, with similar jumps for kale, cabbage and morning glory. Vendors warn prices may rise further as festival demand grows.
According to vendor Kantaphon Chobnam at the ‘Bao-Gae King of Fresh Vegetables’ stall, lettuce prices have surged from 70 baht to 180 baht per kilogram, while kale and Chinese cabbage have also doubled. Morning glory, a local staple, rose from 45 baht to between 90 and 100 baht per kilogram. Most of the shop’s vegetables come from Ratchaburi Province, where market prices have risen, and supplies are now low and scarce. Even vegetables grown in southern border provinces such as cucumber, holy basil and Thai basil are appearing in limited quantities and must follow central market price increases. With demand rising and supplies tight ahead of the vegetarian festival, prices are expected to climb further. The vegetarian festival involves abstaining from meat, pungent vegetables and strong‑flavored foods to cleanse body and mind, and observers prepare by eating vegetarian meals in the days leading up to the event.
