The Department of Internal Trade partnered with the National Associations of Pig, Broiler Chicken, and Layer Chicken Farmers to assess the agricultural product situation during the hot season. They confirmed that supply will not run short despite weather conditions affecting animal growth. Farmers have agreed to hold prices steady to help reduce consumer burdens. Meanwhile, the Commerce Ministry is preparing a nationwide Thong Fah affordable price campaign and will impose severe penalties on middlemen who exploit the situation by raising prices.
Mr. Jirawut Suwanart, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Internal Trade, revealed that the department has held consultations with farmer organizations raising pigs, broilers, and laying hens, as well as major national operators, to monitor the production and trade of pork, chicken meat, and eggs. The goal is to coordinate price management to avoid placing excessive burdens on producers or consumers.
The main factor affecting prices currently is the intense heat since late February 2026, which reduces animal feed intake, causing pigs and chickens to grow more slowly, while laying hens produce fewer and smaller eggs. Overall output entering the market is reduced. Additionally, farmers face increased water and electricity costs due to using cooling equipment in their farms.
On the side, Mr. Sitthiphan Thanakietphinyo, President of the National Pig Farmers Association, stated that the increase in farm-gate pork prices is only a recovery after accumulated losses since last year. Currently, the announced farm-gate live pig price is 72 baht per kilogram, but actual transactions do not exceed 68 baht per kilogram, which is close to production cost. Retail prices tend to stabilize due to the tense situation in the Middle East slowing consumption and trade.
Similarly, regarding broiler chickens, Mr. Sombun Watcharapongphan, President of the Broiler Farmers Association, said that reduced foreign orders caused by geopolitical tensions will likely lower chicken prices. However, farmers have accelerated production to compensate for losses during the hot weather, so chicken meat supply is returning to normal levels.
Regarding eggs, Mr. Manoch Chuthabtim, President of the Layer Chicken Farmers Association, added that although production drops during the hot season, egg quantities will begin to increase with the arrival of the rainy season according to natural cycles.
Nevertheless, although energy and transportation costs have risen alongside global crude oil prices, potentially affecting future costs of imported animal feed ingredients, groups of layer chicken, pig, and broiler farmers affirm their commitment to keep product prices at reasonable levels to help alleviate consumers' living expenses.
The Deputy Director-General of the Department of Internal Trade emphasized that the department has prepared assistance measures through organizing the "Thong Fah Affordable Price" events in Bangkok, its metropolitan area, and regions nationwide to help reduce living costs. He urged consumers to report any vendors selling goods at unreasonably high prices to the department's hotline at 1569. If violations are confirmed, offenders will face penalties under Section 29 of the Price of Goods and Services Act, B.E. 2542 (1999), with fines up to 140,000 baht or imprisonment up to seven years, or both.
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