Fresh pork vendors reveal that recently pork has increased in price, with expectations of continued rises until the Songkran festival.
At 1:00 p.m. on 17 March 2026, reporters reported that following recent price increases in various consumer goods, especially fresh pork at the farm gate which rose by 4 baht per kilogram, fresh pork prices at retail stalls have also risen accordingly.
A survey at fresh markets in Khon Kaen municipality found that fresh pork prices at retail counters have increased by 10 baht per kilogram since the beginning of the month. For example, belly pork rose from 160 baht to 170 baht per kilogram, with prices expected to continue rising until Songkran.
Mrs. Kanungnit, 60, a fresh pork vendor, said pork prices have increased significantly lately because farm gate prices rose, forcing retail prices to follow. The farm gate price is now around 70 plus baht per kilogram, causing retail prices to increase by 10 baht per kilogram, with these increases occurring since early March.
Previously, belly pork and neck cuts were priced at 160 baht per kilogram and have risen to 170 baht. Shoulder, ham, and loin cuts increased from 140 baht to 150 baht per kilogram. These price hikes began in early March and are mainly due to hot weather slowing pig growth, causing delayed market supply. This pattern occurs almost every year during the hot season, leading to reduced pork availability.
Mrs. Kanungnit added that she personally believes the price increases are unrelated to the current oil crisis, as pork prices began rising before that problem arose. Nevertheless, prices are expected to continue increasing steadily until Songkran, as the farm gate price is forecast to rise another 4 baht per kilogram next week.