Thailand’s Ministry of Commerce has launched a nationwide pork sales campaign to help consumers and support struggling pig farmers, a report by the Bangkok Post said. Throughout October, quality pork will be sold at USD 3.07 for two kilograms at designated points across the country.
The initiative, led by the Department of Internal Trade (DIT) in partnership with the Swine Raisers Association of Thailand (SRA), responds to falling farm prices of pigs and oversupply in the market.
Market pressure and consumer relief
Deputy Director-General Yanee Srimanee cited several factors behind the pork surplus:
- ✅ Economic slowdown and reduced purchasing power
- ✅ Decline in restaurant business
- ✅ Return of Cambodian workers, lowering demand
These conditions have pushed pig prices below production costs, prompting intervention.
Last month, the DIT instructed retailers not sell lean pork below USD 3.13/kg. The current campaign offers 100 tons of pork at discounted rates, aligning with Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun’s policy to reduce household expenses.
Pork is sourced from approved SRA farms and distributed via Blue Flag fairs and designated selling points.
Industry response and supply control
SRA President Sitthiphan Thanakiatpinyo said the campaign has been well received. It provides affordable meat to consumers while helping farmers release surplus stock and earn fair incomes.
To further manage supply, the association is implementing:
- ✅ A piglet cycle-cutting program to process 100,000 piglets into roast pork
- ✅ Cold storage of pork by major producers for six months
- ✅ A maximum of slaughter weight of 110kg per pig
These measures aim to restore balance between supply and demand in the pork market.