BANGKOK, Thailand – Authorities are working with major retailers to freeze pork prices as part of efforts to ease the cost of living.
Wittayakorn Maneenet, Director-General of the Department of Internal Trade, stated that the Ministry of Commerce, through his department, is closely monitoring the sale of fresh pork, particularly at retail outlets near residential areas, in addition to traditional markets. On April 22nd, the department met with major retail chains including Makro, Lotus’s, Big C, The Mall, Tops, Foodland, MaxValu, Go Wholesale, and local retailers to assess the situation. Most retailers reported receiving early warnings from pork wholesalers about possible price hikes due to the rising cost of live pigs. The increase is driven by reduced pork supply from extreme heat and rising production costs.
However, no retail price adjustments have been made so far. The Department of Internal Trade has requested cooperation from all participating retailers to freeze pork prices at a reasonable level until the end of the month. Retailers also agreed to inform the department in advance if any pork producers propose a price increase, so the pricing structure can be reviewed.
Director-General Wittayakorn added that the retail sector has previously cooperated with the department in stabilizing palm oil prices during cost surges, and they have now lowered bottled palm oil prices to reflect the decline in production costs. The ministry expressed gratitude for their continued support in this new pork price control initiative. Price inspections will be conducted from April 23–24 at mobile Blue Flag trucks, retail stores, and traditional markets across Bangkok and nearby provinces to assess inventory and price compliance.
This price control measure is part of the ministry’s broader strategy to balance the interests of producers, retailers, and consumers. The department is also continuing its affordable goods campaigns through Blue Flag projects and mobile units, offering quality pork at below-market prices to help alleviate household expenses amid current economic challenges.
Consumers are encouraged to report unfair pricing practices or profiteering to the 1569 hotline. Immediate legal action will be taken upon verification. This pork price freeze is one of the Ministry of Commerce’s urgent policies to shield the public from economic pressure and reinforce confidence in the government’s pricing oversight system. (NNT)
