Thai May inflation near 14-year high, but policy rate seen on hold

BANGKOK: Thailand's headline inflation rose at a much faster pace than expected in May, hitting a high of nearly 14 years on soaring energy prices and the end of some government support measures, a trend the commerce ministry said would likely continue.

The consumer price index (CPI) jumped 7.1% from a year earlier, the ministry said on Monday, beating a forecast rise of 5.78% in a Reuters poll, and against April's 4.65% increase.