The Department of Livestock Development is expanding its market in Malaysia after successfully opening pork exports, while also accelerating promotion of poultry, beef, and pasteurized milk products.
On 6 Mar 2026 GMT+7, the Department of Livestock Development is pushing to expand the Thai livestock product market in Malaysia following the successful opening of pork exports. It is expected that exports will increase in value by around 1 billion baht in 2026. Efforts are underway to open additional markets for livestock products, including poultry, beef, and pasteurized milk products, to enhance trade opportunities and strengthen the competitiveness of Thai livestock products in the regional market.
Dr. Somchuan Rattanamangklanon, Director-General of the Department of Livestock Development, revealed that a delegation from government and private sectors—including the Thai Swine Producers and Exporters Association, the Thai Broiler Producers Association, the Thai Dairy Industry Association, and the Veterinary Association of Thailand under Royal Patronage—visited the Malaysian Federal Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) to discuss collaboration on animal health, production systems, and livestock trade between the two countries.
They met with Dr. Mohd Noor Hisham Bin Mohd Haron, Director-General of the Malaysian Federal Department of Veterinary Services. The Thai side congratulated him on his appointment and thanked the Malaysian government for trusting and opening the market to import pork from Thailand, marking a significant step in expanding livestock trade between the two countries.
The Director-General of the Department of Livestock Development stated that as a result of opening this market, Thai pork exports to Malaysia are expected to increase in value by about 1 billion baht in 2026. This will generate income and added economic value for Thailand. Both sides also discussed ways to enhance animal disease control measures and border inspections to build mutual confidence in animal health.
Additionally, both parties discussed cooperation to develop an electronic health certificate (e-Health Certificate) exchange system for poultry products exported from Thailand to Malaysia. This aims to facilitate officials and operators in both countries, making inspection and international trade processes faster, more transparent, and more efficient.
Dr. Somchuan said the Department of Livestock Development also provided information to the Malaysian Federal Department of Veterinary Services proposing the opening of the market for pasteurized fresh milk products from Thailand. He noted that Thai pasteurized milk products are already recognized in markets with high sanitary standards such as Singapore, Hong Kong, the Philippines, and Indonesia, with exports exceeding 80,000 tons per year. This reflects Thailand's capability in quality control and standards throughout the production chain. The Malaysian side agreed to consider this proposal further.
At the same time, Thailand is monitoring progress on opening the beef export market to Malaysia to meet Malaysian market demand. Thai officials invited representatives from the Malaysian Federal Department of Veterinary Services to visit and assess establishments in Thailand to facilitate future beef exports.
Overall, the discussions represent an important step in expanding livestock trade cooperation between Thailand and Malaysia, which will increase trade opportunities, build confidence with trading partners, and enhance the competitiveness of Thai livestock products in the global market.