Internet fees, both landline and mobile, will be factored into inflation calculation next year, according to a Commerce Ministry official.
According to Manager Online, the ministry is reviewing the basket of items used in the consumer prices calculation list better match people's actual spending, said Pimchanok Vonkorpon, deputy director of the ministry's Trade Policy and Strategy Office.
In addition to the internet fees, ready-to-eat food will also be included to reflect people's changing lifestyles.
The prices of the new items will be shown in the calculation in January, she said.
Besides, existing items in the basket will be reviewed and the number whittled down to 300 from 450 now.
"Redundant items or those based on the same data will be removed, as will those whose prices barely change such as nails and hinges," she explained.
The ministry is also preparing the purchasing power parity index (PPP) for each province. The data will help the government and the private sector determine policies and aid for needy communities.
"So far, data have been collected in 43 provinces and all 77 provinces should be covered early next year, " she said.