The Swine Raisers Association of Thailand is preparing to request a meeting with Agriculture and Cooperatives minister Thamanat Prompow to help expedite efforts to crack down on illegally imported pig carcasses and pork products.
The association’s president, Mr. Surachai Sutthitham, disclosed that he will ask the minister to accelerate the crackdown as he pledged on his first day at the Ministry of Agriculture. The promise was to eliminate influential figures involving in smuggling illegal pork within one month, with a deadline set for October 20.
It is believed that illegal pork continue to flood the market, exerting pressure on pork prices at the farm level, resulting in a price decline. Currently, pork prices are at their lowest point in 30 years, with live pig prices ranging from 58 to 66 baht per kilogram, varying by region. These prices are well below the estimated production costs, which averaged 80.79 baht per kilogram in the third quarter of 2023, as calculated by the Pig Development and Product Policy Board (PDPB). Consequently, pig farmers are suffering losses of approximately 3,000-4,000 baht per head, causing a significant number of small and medium-scale farmers to quit.
Mr. Surachai also said that the association’s committee members together with regional pig farming associations, will participate in the royally sponsored cremation ceremony for the provincial livestock official in Phetchabun province, who was shot dead during a raid at a pork warehouse.
On this occasion, they will also donate 100,000 baht to the bereaved family. Additionally, they plan to discuss potential solutions to the problem with the Director-General of the Department of Livestock Development before their meeting with the Minister of Agriculture next week. (TNA)
