Abstract

This study examines household food consumption patterns in Thailand using the 2015 Socioeconomic Survey. A demand system consisting of six main food groups is estimated applying the Quadratic Almost Ideal Demand System model. The results indicate that the expenditure elasticity for rice and other grains is the lowest among all food groups. Meat and fishes, eggs and dairy products, and food-away-from-home (FAFH) appear to be luxuries. FAFH consumption is highly associated with household income and level of urbanization. All food groups are price-inelastic demand with supportive evidence of food purchase substitution. The responsiveness of food demand with respect to price and income show remarkable differences across socioeconomic status and geographic locations. Specifically, low-income and elderly-headed households tend to be more responsive to food price and income changes. This suggests that they are likely afflicted with inadequate food intake caused by soaring food prices or economic downturn.

摘要

本研究使用 2015 年社会经济调查研究了泰国的家庭食品消费模式。使用二次几乎理想需求系统模型估计由六个主要食物组组成的需求系统。结果表明，大米和其他谷物的支出弹性在所有食物组中最低。肉类和鱼类、蛋类和奶制品以及外卖食品 (FAFH) 似乎是奢侈品。FAFH 消费与家庭收入和城市化水平高度相关。所有食品组都是价格无弹性的需求，有食品购买替代的支持性证据。食品需求对价格和收入的反应在社会经济地位和地理位置上表现出显着差异。具体来说，低收入和以老人为户主的家庭往往对食品价格和收入变化更敏感。这表明他们很可能因食品价格飙升或经济下滑而导致食物摄入不足。