March 02, 2007	Friday	Safar 12, 1428

BANGKOK, March 1: Thailand's inflation rate fell for the fourth consecutive month in February to 2.3 per cent, sharply below market estimates, due to falling food prices, the commerce ministry said on Thursday.

Inflation eased from 3 per cent in January despite the Lunar New Year last month, when consumers generally spend more because of the celebrations, said Karun Kittisataporn, the ministry's permanent secretary.

“Sales slowed down last month, which helped ease inflation. Prices of pork, chicken, vegetables and fruit didn't rise during the Chinese New Year,” Karun told reporters.

Prices of food and beverages dropped 1pc last month while non-food items also went down 0.1 per cent because of lower electricity tariffs, he said.—AFP