April 6, 2026

Thailand keeping watch on increasing production costs and market prices for pork, eggs, and chicken

Thailand's Department of Internal Trade (DIT) is monitoring rising production costs and market prices for pork, eggs, and chicken to balance farmers' livelihoods with consumer affordability in the current economic climate.

DIT Deputy Director-General Jirawuth Suwanna-arj stated that the department is assessing trends in wholesale and retail prices. Authorities were to meet with livestock and poultry producer groups on April 2, to finalise price management strategies that minimize public impact.

According to the Deputy Director-General, current data show that supply levels remain stable. Daily egg production is 43.49 million units, meeting the national demand of 43 million units. Daily pork production is 66,000 heads, exceeding the average consumption rate of 56,000 heads.

The recommended farm-gate price for mixed-size eggs has increased to 3.60 baht per unit, up from 3.40 baht, reflecting a production cost of ฿3.29 (US$0.10) per unit. This increase is due to extreme heat since late February 2026, which reduced egg yields and raised operational expenses, especially for water and electricity used in cooling systems.

Pork prices have increased slightly to ฿72 (US$2.21) per kilogramme, compared to ฿70–72 (US$2.15-2.21) in the week of March 23-29. This remains in line with the current production cost of ฿68.57 (US$2.10) per kilogramme and complies with the department's regulatory framework. The increase is due to slower swine growth during hot weather. Despite this, current prices are still below the average of ฿78.26 (US$2.40) per kilogramme recorded during the same period last year.

The DIT expressed its commitment to maintaining a fair market environment, stating that upcoming discussions will focus on aligning retail prices with production costs and ensuring essential goods remain sufficient and accessible to the public during this critical period.

- Pattaya Mail