The Department of Internal Trade held talks with livestock associations and major farms to seek cooperation in freezing prices of pork, chicken, and eggs ahead of the Chinese Ghost Festival, affirming sufficient product supply and warning that overpricing will result in fines of up to 140,000 baht.
Mr. Jirawut Suwanart, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Internal Trade, revealed that on 20 August 2026, the department held discussions with farmer organizations raising pork, broiler chickens, and laying hens, including the National Swine Breeders Association, Broiler Chicken Association, Broiler Exporters Association, Egg Producers Association, Southern Egg Farmers Association, Central Small-Scale Egg Farmers Trade Association, and networks of egg farmer cooperatives in Paed Riew, Chonburi, Lower Nan River Basin, and Chiang Mai-Lamphun. They also met with major operators such as CPF, Betagro, Thai Foods, Sahafarm, Cargill Meats, V.C.F. Group, and S.P.M. to monitor production and trade of pork, chicken meat, and eggs and to discuss price management strategies that balance producers' interests without burdening consumers amid the current situation.
Monitoring shows that trade conditions and demand for pork, chicken, and eggs have steadily increased due to the “Thai Help Thai Plus” project, causing farm-gate prices to adjust according to market mechanisms. However, the department requested all parties cooperate to manage supply for balance, preventing retail prices from rising excessively and impacting the cost of living for the public.
Regarding Mr. Sitthiphan Thanakiatphinyo, President of the National Swine Breeders Association, stated that current live pork prices at the farm gate have risen to 72–74 baht per kilogram, an increase from the previous month due to slightly reduced market supply. This level is 1-2 baht per kilogram above production costs, allowing farmers to earn above costs and sustain production. Trade and consumption demand continue rising. Prices may rise slightly over the next 1-2 weeks and then stabilize until mid-September. Subsequently, prices may soften somewhat as retail pork prices remain steady and October's Vegetarian Festival typically reduces pork demand annually.
As for broiler chickens, Mr. Sombun Watcharapongphan, President of the Broiler Chicken Breeders Association, said at the meeting that production continues steadily but has decreased compared to earlier due to erratic weather causing some damage to broilers and laying hens. Producers had previously cut output due to rising costs, while demand remains steady. Damage is now lessening, and farmers are increasing production again. Prices are not expected to rise further, and by mid-September 2026, production volumes should normalize.
Meanwhile, Mr. Manoch Chuthapthim, President of the Egg Producers Association, added that egg production is currently sufficient and consistently reaching the market. Cooperation from farmers and major operators to extend laying hen cage periods from 80 to 83 weeks and delay exports is expected to increase egg supply. This aligns with Livestock Department representatives' data indicating a gradual increase in egg volume entering the system.
Representatives from major operators such as Betagro and CPF confirmed full cooperation with the government, managing production supply steadily to maintain system balance and keep prices appropriate.
The Deputy Director-General of the Department of Internal Trade further stated that the department has organized egg sales linkage activities nationwide in 2026 through provincial commerce offices to ease living costs for the public. The department will continue to coordinate with all sectors to manage sufficient supply and fair final prices.
The Department of Internal Trade closely monitors pork, chicken, and egg prices to prevent consumer exploitation. If any trader sells these products at unreasonably high prices, complaints can be made via the department's hotline at 1569. Violators face penalties under Section 29 of the 1999 Price of Goods and Services Act, with fines up to 140,000 baht, imprisonment up to 7 years, or both.
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