According to the consumers and traders, a surge in prices for essential food items and Thai products, is attributed to the ongoing conflict in Mon State and the rise in value of the Thai baht.
Since November 10, when the People’s Defense Joint Force attacked the Chaunghnitkhwa village police station and bridge gate in Mon State’s Kyaikmarraw township, fighting has occurred daily.
Local residents of Kyaikmarraw report that roads are closed due to the fighting, causing transportation difficulties for the delivery of food supplies. Prices for essential food products have increased as a result.
A resident of Naungdae village in the Kale-Tagundaing region said, “The prices of all products are increasing. The prices of Thai products have also risen. Previously, they were imported from Myawaddy, but now they can’t go to Chaunghnitkhwa. The cost of goods has gone up since we have to go around Mudon-Ahbit road.”
Reports that the fighting may expand to other Townships, is causing local residents to stockpile rice and other essential food items. Conflicts persist nationwide, and the Burmese kyat has depreciated, while the value of the Thai baht has risen. These factors are leading to an increase in the price of Thai goods.
The exchange rate for the Thai Baht was just over 1,100 Thai Baht per 100,000 Myanmar Kyats and has remained around 1,000 Thai Baht per 100,000 Myanmar Kyats since the second week of November.
Currently, depending on the type of Thai goods in the market, prices have increased by 500 to 3000 kyats.
