September 7, 2011
Thai pork prices expected to fall
Prices of live pigs and pork in Thailand are expected to fall to THB75 (US$2.50) and THB140 (US$4.68) per kilogramme respectively, while the ban on pork exports will remain, says DIT.
In place of the controlled prices, DIT director-general Vatchari Vimooktayon said that the department would recommend prices for live pigs and pork. The farm price of pigs within Bangkok as well as the central, eastern and western regions will be reduced from THB81 (US$2.70) a kilo to THB75 (US$2.50) while the retail price of pork will drop from THB152 (US$5.07) a kilogramme to THB140 (US$4.68).
In the north and north-east, live pigs will be sold at THB79 (US$4.68) a kilogramme and pork at THB145 US$4.84). As for the south, live pigs and pork will cost THB81 (US$2.71) and THB150 (US$5.01) a kilogramme respectively.
After the price decrease, teams of inspectors will be dispatched to markets nationwide. Any vendors found to be overpricing their goods will be subject to a jail term of not more than seven years and/or a fine of not more than THB140,000 (US$4,675).
On the other hand, the DIT will continue to prohibit exports of pork for the time being although the price will be reduced since the situation has not yet returned to normal.