Thailand pork sales fall on swine flu outbreak, increased prices

Consumer demand for pork in Thailand has plummeted after the swine flu outbreak in Mexico and the rising cost of pork products.

The high price of pork in the province which sold for THB130 baht a kilogramme on Monday (Apr 27) as well as the flu scare prompted people to buy other kinds of meat.

The price is expected to continue to rise, which will further hurt the pork trade in the province.

Supawan Saengtarn, a butcher and retailer, said high prices and the flu scare had lowered the demand for pork.

However, in Yasothon, fish vendors were enjoying brisk sales as many consumers opted for fish, which was cheaper.

In Pattaya, pork vendors at several fresh markets complained of a marked drop in sales. They called for state action to fix the problem and to find ways to prevent the spread of the swine flu.