Politics
Thai Government Pauses 'Affordable Curry' Initiative Amid Public Backlash
A proposed 40-baht meal program has been delayed following widespread criticism from the public and business sectors.
The Thai government has officially paused the 'Thai Curry Helps Thais' initiative, a project spearheaded by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce Supajee Suthumpun. The program, which aimed to offer affordable 40-baht meals, faced significant pushback from citizens, restaurant operators, and the private sector, forcing the Ministry of Commerce to withdraw the proposal from the Cabinet’s agenda for further review.
According to Khaosod Online, the Ministry of Commerce initiated the project in response to public concerns regarding the rising cost of living. Data from the Office of Trade Policy and Strategy indicates that curry prices have risen by an average of 5–10 baht per dish, contributing to a 2.42% increase in inflation as of June 2026. Popular dishes such as pad thai, khao man gai, and stir-fried basil have seen notable price hikes.
For residents and travelers, this development highlights the ongoing pressure on food costs in Thailand. While the Ministry has clarified that the project is not canceled, it remains under redesign to better suit market realities. It is currently unconfirmed when or if a revised version of the program will be presented to the Cabinet. For now, those living in or visiting Thailand should expect food prices to remain subject to the current inflationary trends identified by the government.
Translated from Thai.
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