Government spending on commodity subsidies has also been rising, with the doubling of support to rubber farmers last week in response to continuing protests coming on top of a rice-buying programmer that has led to large stockpiles building up.
Another worry in Bangkok is levels of household debt, which have climbed from 55 per cent of gross domestic product in 2008 to more than 77 per cent last year. While analysts say this is partly due to a first-time car buyer scheme that offered customers tax rebates in an effort to stimulate the automotive industry, there are also wider concerns about consumers living beyond their means.