Vegetable Prices Surge in Khon Kaen Ahead of Vegetarian Festival
In Khon Kaen, vegetable prices have surged ahead of the Vegetarian Festival, with coriander reaching 300 baht per bag and scallions jumping to 120 baht per kilogram. Vendors blame flooding in central growing regions and diesel prices at 40 baht per litre for the rise, saying they have cut staff and struggle to make sales. They urged the government to lower fuel costs to around 30–32 baht per litre to ease the burden.
At Khon Kaen's Si Mueang Thong market, vendors reported that vegetable prices have risen sharply ahead of the Vegetarian Festival, with cilantro reaching 300 baht per bag, scallions up to 120 baht per kilogram, and Vietnamese coriander up to 140 baht per kilogram. They attribute the surge to flooding in the central growing regions and diesel prices at 40 baht per litre, which have increased transport costs. Some sellers have cut staff from four to two to cope with losses, saying they profit only three days out of five. Consumers worry about continued high prices affecting household budgets, especially with school expenses looming. Vendors called on the government to lower fuel prices to around 30–32 baht per litre to ease the burden.
