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Dissemination Standards Bulletin Board Special Data Dissemination Standard (AS PROVIDED TO THE IMF BY THE RESPECTIVE COUNTRY)   Thailand Price index: Consumer prices (Consumer price index ) Last Posted: Apr-22-2009 Last Certified: Apr-20-2009 Last Updated: Apr-20-2009 Contact Person(s)          Printer Friendly Page   Dissemination Formats Summary Methodology Access National Summary Data Page Cross-country comparisons: access the DSBB metadata query facility

The Data: Coverage, Periodicity, and Timeliness
Coverage characteristics	5.1.1 Statistical presentation Data are disseminated on the consumer prices index (2009=100), which is compiled according to the Laspeyres formula. The index is nationwide and measures changes in the public daily-life purchasing power in urban areas. The representative consumption basket comprises 417 items. Approximately 49,267 prices are collected from a total of 9,555 establishments in each of 12 markets in the Bangkok Metropolitan area [12 in Bangkok and 3 in adjacent provinces] and 41 establishments in each of 41 markets in other urban areas, each in a different province. The frequency of the price collections depends on the type of product, with those for which prices fluctuate being surveyed more frequently. Fresh food, rice, meat, eggs, fish, marine products, fruits and vegetables (a total of 91 items) are surveyed weekly and petroleum products (a total of 5 items) are surveyed daily. Other consumer products, such as beverages, processed food, medicine, household utilities, clothes, personal service fees, footwear and rents (a total of 321 items) are surveyed monthly. The prices measured include VAT and excise taxes. The weights are based on a Household Expenditure Survey conducted by the NSO in 2002. The index is normally re-based every four years. The re-basing to the 2007 base year was carried out in January 2009. The data are not seasonally adjusted.
Periodicity	4.1.1 Periodicity Monthly
Timeliness	4.1.2 Timeliness No later than one week after the end of the reference month.
Access by the Public
Advance dissemination of release calendar	5.1.3 Advance release calendar An advance release calendar giving one-quarter-ahead notice of the precise release dates is disseminated on the Internet on the IMF's Dissemination Standards Bulletin Board (http://dsbb.imf.org) and the Bank of Thailand’s website (http://www.bot.or.th/English/Statistics/Standard/SDDS/Pages/arc.aspx).
Simultaneous release to all interested parties	5.1.4 Simultaneous release The data are released simultaneously to all interested parties by issuing the press release "Price Indices" during a press conference, which is open to all members of the press. The data are subsequently disseminated on the Ministry of Commerce's Internet website (http://www.price.moc.go.th).
Integrity
Dissemination of terms and conditions under which official statistics are produced, including those relating to the confidentiality of individually identifiable information	0.1.1 Responsibility for collecting, processing, and disseminating statistics Bureau of Trade and Economic Indices, Ministry of Commerce In 2002 the Ministry of Commerce (MOC) decree the rule and regulation for dividing the duty and responsibility of all departments in the Office of Permanent Secretary and it is announced on The government gazette 8th March 1994.  With this regard, the Bureau of Trade and Economic Indices (BTEI) is the only bureau in the Ministry solely responsible for collecting and processing indexes. BTEI compiles two indexes; namely,  CPI and PPI. For CPI, we collects price information by our staff surveying and weight data from National Statistical Office (NSO), which are governed by National Statistical Office Act article 5.  For PPI, we also collect price information from our staff surveying and the Ministry of Agriculture and Co-operative because it is consistent with our methodology. 0.1.2 Data sharing and coordination among data producing agencies Bureau of Trade and Economic Indices, Ministry of Commerce As mentioned in 0.1.1 BTEI compiles two indexes; namely,  CPI and PPI.  PPI uses Input – Output Table data compiled by the National Economic and Social Development Board (NESDB) to prepared weighted components. While the NESDB uses PPI data to deflate National Accounts Statistics. The MOC and NESDB constantly arrange meetings to discuss what each side need. CPI use household expenditure survey data from the NSO to derive CPI weights. CPI officer arranges meeting between MOC and NSO from time to time, especially before the NSO launches a new survey, to ensure that the data surveyed will meet user’s requirement. Price index: Consumer prices CPI collects price information by our staff surveying and weight data from National Statistical Office (NSO), that is govern by National Statistical Office Act article 5. 0.1.3 Confidentiality of individual reporters' data Bureau of Trade and Economic Indices, Ministry of Commerce Data confidentialiaty plays an important role for PPI as well as CPI. BTEI will inform their providers by letters, fax, email, touch-tone dialing and company visit for giving information about their right. According to the Official Information Act B.E.2540 (1997), Section 15(6) data of individuals are to be treated as confidential and shall not be disclosed or used for other object than statistical purposes. Any loss occurs to the respondent according to the individual data disclosure is responsible by Office of The Civil Service Commission concern with code of conduct 1994, which was announced in government gazette issued 111 dated 8 march 1994.   To access data BTEI assign high ranking officer or the relevant staff who dealing with individual data only. Moreover CPI is published in form of average price and index as well as PPI in published in form of index by commodity.   In case any other organization requires information for research or other purpose must  be approved by high ranking officer and consider by priority. 0.1.4 Ensuring statistical reporting Bureau of Trade and Economic Indices, Ministry of Commerce For ensuring statistical reporting BTEI had confidential questionnaire form for user to complete and send it back to head office. Moreover, price data reporting from respondents are assured by using personal connection and cooperation via personal visit, telephone, fax and email. Price index: Consumer prices In case of CPI for Household Expenditure Survey data conducted by the NSO, statistical reporting is ensured through legal mandate (i.e. The Statistical Act article 22 and 23 ) where the price data using personal connection or asking for their cooperation. 0.2.1 Staff, facilities, computing resources, and financing Bureau of Trade and Economic Indices, Ministry of Commerce The roles of staff involved in the compilation of CPI and PPI are clearly defined. Number of staff, both in the head and regional offices, is adequate and the skills of staff are sufficient to perform required tasks.   BTEI had provided at least 2 weeks on-the–job training for new staff in methodology and compilation methods relevant for PPI as well as CPI.   Computing resources are sufficient in head office as in region and constantly upgraded. MOC had Information Technology team to control and maintain the whole computer system. There are particular applications for index compiling and dissemination program.   Physical facilities and other resources are sufficient in head office and region.   BTEI have budget plan for development index and database during 2006-2008     Price index: Consumer prices For CPI, the number of staff, both in the head and regional offices, is adequate and the skills of staff are sufficient to perform required tasks. 0.2.2 Ensuring efficient use of resources Bureau of Trade and Economic Indices, Ministry of Commerce In 2005 BTEI has applied KPI (key performance indicator) as a measure to ensure efficient use of resources. BTEI conducted annual strategy plan for staff training within country and abroad by expert technicians from institutions such as IMF and ABS.  Review of working process is undertaken from time to time. Computing technique is also updated. Annual staffs meeting / workshop are held to promote agency’s vision and direction as well as enhancing staff skills. Computing procedures are improved to reduce processing, editing and coding errors.  0.3.1 Monitoring user requirements Bureau of Trade and Economic Indices, Ministry of Commerce Meetings regularly are organized to find out users’ needs and users are also able to communicate with BTEI through telephone, fax, email and web board. Annual survey is conducted to assess users’ satisfaction.   BTEI staff dealing with data statistics participates regularly to  international statistical meeting and seminars which organized by international organization such as IMF, ADB and UNCTED from time to time.     BTEI established Committee for Consultant and Developing Index on 22nd September 2004 by the permanent secretary of Ministry of Commerce as the Chairman together with all special assistants from government sector as well as private sector.   At present BTEI has undertaken study on transportation servicing in the country. 0.4.1 Quality policy Bureau of Trade and Economic Indices, Ministry of Commerce BTEI has vision and commitment for development Index to international standard. Moreover in 2005 BTEI has applied Key Performance Indicator as a measure to ensure efficient use of resources.  BTEI management promotes a shared concern for quality throughout the organization, e.g., with a BTEI mission statement emphasizing importance of quality, and held accountable for achieving data quality. There are staff training programs emphasizing the importance of data quality and we have slogan contest for strengthen in BTEI. BTEI has installation data and survey to get best quality for avoiding trade off and with Committee of Consultant and Developing Index on 22nd September 2004 for commitment data quality. (as mentioned above). 0.4.2 Quality monitoring Bureau of Trade and Economic Indices, Ministry of Commerce BTEI has monitoring process and review for data compiling in every step (e.g. survey collecting price/information, compile, publication). In addition to BTEI staff has own schedule for collection information/survey throughout the year for getting fully efficiency.   Data compiling staff have access to expert guidance on the quality of their data statistics and on strategies for improving data production from IMF, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). 0.4.3 Quality planning Bureau of Trade and Economic Indices, Ministry of Commerce Tradeoffs among the dimension of quality are carefully considered. Improvement of data quality is taken into account in planning forward work program.   Meeting is periodically convened with policy makers and other data users to review existing CPI/PPI and to identify any emerging data requirements. During the second half year of 2005 BTEI planned to establish developing system for monitoring and periodic reviews. Price index: Consumer prices Improvement of data quality is taken into account in planning forward work program. When the release dates for the CPI were established, due to consideration was given to ensuring that they allowed enough time to produce a quality product. Encourage users’ feedback on resolution of the Index. 1.1.1 Impartiality of statistics Bureau of Trade and Economic Indices, Ministry of Commerce Even though there is no law or formal provision to support professional independence, it is widely recognized by traditions and cultures that professional independence is essential to the creditability of PPI /CPI compilation. As a result the compilation of PPI/CPI is highly independence from other agencies’ interference. Price index: Consumer prices Professionalism is actively promoted and supported within the organization.  Recruitment is now focused on the person with statistical and/or economic background. The staff’s professional literatures/working papers are required to get higher level of promotion.       Staffs are encouraged to participate in professional conferences and workshop with other professional groups and to express their ideas through research and working paper.  However, most of papers are internally used for the improvement of CPI. 1.1.2 Selection of sources, methodology, and modes of dissemination Bureau of Trade and Economic Indices, Ministry of Commerce The choice of source data and statistical techniques are based solely on statistical consideration. Staffs are encouraged to present their reasoning for the choice of methodology they applied. 1.1.3 Commenting on erroneous interpretation and misuse of statistics Bureau of Trade and Economic Indices, Ministry of Commerce BTEI provides explanatory materials, which are also available on the Internet. MOC also holds talks to educate the public upon the uses of statistics coupled with monthly press release. Webboard is also available for Q&A from users.   When the misinterpretation and misuse of the PPI/CPI was found, the staff has to correct it as soon as possible. Notification is in a form of letter, fax, telephone and email. 1.2.1 Disclosure of terms and conditions for statistical collection, processing, and dissemination Bureau of Trade and Economic Indices, Ministry of Commerce Documentation on terms and conditions is available on the BTEI web site and publications. 1.3.1 Guidelines for staff behavior Bureau of Trade and Economic Indices, Ministry of Commerce Codes of conduct for public servants are in placed to guide staffs’ behavior. All new staffs have to attend the new staff training organized by the Office of Permanent Secretary and the Office of Civil Service Commission (OCSC).
Identification of internal government access to data before release	1.2.2 Internal governmental access to statistics prior to release Bureau of Trade and Economic Indices, Ministry of Commerce There are no other agencies can access to the CPI statistics before their release except for the Minister and the Director-General of MOC in order to preparing the press release (generally one hour before the press release).
Identification of ministerial commentary on the occasion of statistical releases	1.2.3 Attribution of statistical products Bureau of Trade and Economic Indices, Ministry of Commerce Data released to the public are clearly identified as the product of BTEI or MOC (both name & logo). Price index: Consumer prices Commentary by the Minister of Commerce or by other senior officials accompanies the press release.
Provision of information about revision and advance notice of major changes in methodology	4.3.1 Revision schedule The data are not revised. 4.3.2 Identification of preliminary and/or revised data Major changes in methodology are announced in a press conference at the time the changes are introduced. 1.2.4 Advance notice of major changes in methodology, source data, and statistical techniques. Bureau of Trade and Economic Indices, Ministry of Commerce Advance notice is given (e.g. Internet, news releases or users’ meeting) when major changes in methodology sources, and statistical techniques are introduced.
Quality
Dissemination of documentation on methodology and sources used in preparing statistics	5.2.1 Dissemination of documentation on concepts, scope, classifications, basis of recording, data sources, and statistical techniques A detailed description of the methodology and sources used to compile the CPI is available from the contact point, in Thai only, on request. An English summary of the methodology is available on request from the contact point. Explanatory notes are also provided in footnotes in the Ministry of Commerce monthly "Price Indices" . 5.2.2 Disseminated level of detail A detailed description of the methodology and sources used to compile the CPI is available from the contact point, in Thai only, on request. An English summary of the methodology is available on request from the contact point. Explanatory notes are also provided in footnotes in the Ministry of Commerce monthly "Price Indices". (See also summary methodology)
Dissemination of component detail, reconciliations with related data, and statistical frameworks that support statistical cross-checks and provide assurance of reasonableness	4.2.1 Internal consistency The press release "Price Indices" publishes data for the reference month showing the CPI for disaggregated product groups. The monthly bulletin "Price Indices", issued by the Ministry of Commerce, publishes: (1) detailed monthly data showing indices broken down by commodity, region, and income group and (2) commentary on the reasons for changes in each major item and group. The Bank of Thailand Internet website http://www.bot.or.th/English/Statistics/EconomicAndFinancial/RealSector/Pages/Index.aspx   disseminates all available monthly data series for the index. 4.2.2 Temporal consistency The semi-annual publication "Price Indices", issued by the Ministry of Commerce, publishes: (1) monthly time series data for the previous six months showing indices for every region of Thailand and for the kingdom as a whole and (2) commentary on the reasons for changes in each major item and group. The annual publication "Price Indices", issued by the Ministry of Commerce, publishes: (1) monthly time series data for the previous twelve months showing indices for every region of Thailand and for the kingdom as a whole and (2) commentary on the reasons for changes in each major item and group. The Internet website of the Ministry of Commerce (http://www.price.moc.go.th) disseminates the following time series data: (1) the CPI broken down by region (monthly for the current and previous year, and annual for the prior five years); (2) monthly data for the period since 1997 on the percentage changes in the consumer price indices for all commodities, food and beverages, and non-food and beverages; and (3) data for the reference month for the CPI for Thailand and for the Bangkok metropolis, showing: (a) the index; (b) the percentage change from the previous month; (c) the percentage change from the same month in the previous year; and (d) the percentage change from the same period in the previous year. 4.2.3 Intersectoral and cross-domain consistency MOC is the sole producer of CPI. CPI is normally consistent with PPI for relevant series.
Footnotes Last posted: Date IMF staff last posted an update to these metadata on the DSBB. Last certified: Date subscriber last officially certified the accuracy of these metadata. Last updated: Date subscriber last submitted an update of these metadata to the IMF.