Bangkok: The Department of Internal Trade has partnered with wholesale and retail stores to freeze pork prices until April 30, 2025, as part of efforts to alleviate the cost of living for residents. This initiative, led by the Ministry of Commerce, aims to manage consumer goods prices effectively amidst rising production costs.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Witthayakorn Maneenet, Director-General of the Department of Internal Trade, emphasized that the ministry has been closely monitoring the pork sales situation, focusing on locations popular with consumers, such as local retail stores and fresh markets. On April 22, the department engaged with major wholesale and retail chains, including Makro, Lotus, Big C, The Mall, and others, to assess the current sales situation. Despite receiving indications from pork wholesalers about potential price hikes due to high live pig prices and increased production costs, retail prices have not yet risen. The department has urged retailers to maintain current pork prices, requesting any price increase propositions from producers be reported for consideration.
Mr. Witthayakorn highlighted the historical cooperation between retailers and the Department of Internal Trade, citing the previous successful management of palm oil prices. He expressed gratitude to retailers for their continued support and noted that the department will conduct inspections on April 23-24 to ensure compliance with the pork price freeze. These inspections will cover markets and modern trade stores in Bangkok and surrounding areas, focusing on product volumes and adherence to the price-fixing agreement.
The department's efforts are part of a broader strategy to balance the interests of producers, distributors, and consumers. Initiatives such as the Blue Flag project aim to provide affordable essential goods, including quality butchered pork, to ease financial pressures on the public. Mr. Witthayakorn encouraged consumers to report any instances of unreasonable pricing or exploitative behavior to the Department of Internal Trade hotline. These measures are a priority for the Ministry of Commerce, designed to mitigate economic challenges for the public and enhance trust in the government's price management capabilities.