BANGKOK, THAILAND – Thailand’s Internal Trade authorities said there were no immediate shortages of pork, chicken or eggs despite an ongoing extreme heatwave, while producer groups pledged to keep prices as stable as possible.
Internal Trade reviews pork–chicken–egg situation
The Department of Internal Trade held talks with associations of pig, broiler and layer farmers, as well as major market participants. The discussions focused on closely tracking production and trade to coordinate price measures.
Officials aimed to ensure that producers were not excessively burdened while retail prices for consumers did not rise unnecessarily. Participants agreed to monitor volumes and costs so that any adjustments would remain limited.
Heatwave slows growth and cuts egg output
The department identified the extreme heat that had persisted since late February as the main factor affecting livestock. Animals were eating less and growing more slowly under the prolonged high temperatures.
For laying hens, productivity fell and eggs were coming to market in smaller sizes. As a result, the total quantity of eggs available declined, tightening supply even without formal production cuts.
Rising costs for water, power and farm cooling
According to the report, the heat also pushed operating costs higher on many farms. Producers had to rely more heavily on cooling and ventilation systems in their barns to protect animals.
This increased spending on water and electricity, adding further pressure to farm budgets. The additional expenses complicated cost calculations and reduced financial room for producers.
Pig prices recover losses but barely cover costs
The president of the national pig farmers’ association stated that the recent increase in pork prices mainly reflected a recovery from accumulated losses since the previous year. He stressed that current levels were not a windfall for producers.
The official live pig price was quoted at 72 baht per kilogram. In practice, however, most pigs reportedly traded at no more than 68 baht per kilogram, leaving prices close to overall production costs.
Chicken market hit by geopolitics and weak exports
In the broiler sector, industry representatives reported falling export orders. They linked the weaker foreign demand to ongoing geopolitical tensions affecting international trade.
This development could exert downward pressure on chicken prices, even as farmers had increased production. The higher output was intended to offset heat-related losses and bring volumes back toward normal levels.
Egg supplies dip in hot season, relief expected with rains
The association of layer farmers acknowledged that egg production typically declined during the hot season. Lower laying rates and smaller eggs were described as part of a familiar seasonal pattern.
With the start of the rainy season, volumes were expected to rise again. The group said this would follow the natural production cycle as temperatures moderated and conditions improved.
Producers seek stable prices despite energy and transport risks
Producer groups noted that energy and transport costs were fluctuating in line with global crude oil prices. They also warned that import costs for animal feed could increase in the future.
Even so, pig, broiler and egg producers announced that they would exercise restraint in adjusting prices. They said they aimed to keep prices within a “reasonable range” to ease pressure on consumers.
“Blue-Flag” campaigns and tough penalties against price gouging
The Internal Trade Ministry planned nationwide “Thong-Fah” or “Blue-Flag” sales campaigns in Bangkok, surrounding areas and the regions. The goal was to expand access to discounted basic goods and soften the impact of the cost of living.
Consumers could call hotline 1569 to report excessive prices. Under Section 29 of the Price of Goods and Services Act (B.E. 2542), violations were punishable by fines of up to 140,000 baht, imprisonment for up to seven years, or both.