BANGKOK, 4 June 2014 – Consumers have rushed to call Hotline 1569 regarding expensive pork prices that have soared drastically.
The Commerce Ministry reported that consumers were distraught with pork prices sold at fresh markets. Pork prices per kilo have increased to 160 to 165 baht, which is higher than the previous rate of 150 to 155 baht per kilo before April 1st.
Pig farm owners have also raised their farm gate pork prices by 2 baht. Farm gate pork prices now range between 82 to 86 baht. About 39,000 to 40,000 pigs are distributed into the market per day, which is barely adequate to meet consumer needs.
Meanwhile, Mr. Santichai Santhawanpaet, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Internal Trade (DIT), said that the price increase was due to the death of several pigs caused by widespread diseases since last year, which contributed to lower supplies of pork meat.
In a related development, Mr. Santichai said he launched a “Blue Flag Campaign” with participation of many retail food operators on June 2nd. The campaign is aimed at providing more cost-friendly meals to consumers by selling them at prices below the market by 20 percent to help alleviate the high cost of living.
