Consumers in Thailand are experiencing increased pressure from escalating living expenses, driven primarily by soaring fresh food prices. The costs of pork, chicken, and eggs have particularly surged, impacting household budgets significantly. These price hikes occur amid geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, which have led to higher energy costs and disrupted global supply chains, despite the Commerce Ministry's assurance that no controlled goods have raised prices and price controls are still enforced.
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Data from the Internal Trade Department highlights a clear rise in chicken prices, with chicken drumsticks and thighs increasing from Bt80-Bt85 to Bt90-Bt95 per kilogramme and Bt85-Bt100 to Bt95-Bt100, respectively, since early March. Pork prices have seen an even steeper increase, with lean pork climbing from Bt145-Bt150 per kilogramme to Bt150-Bt165 as of March 20. This trend correlates with data from the Office of Agricultural Economics, showing live pig prices at the farm level in Nakhon Pathom escalated by Bt6 per kilogramme.
Egg prices are also affected, with size 3 eggs increasing from Bt3.5-Bt3.6 to Bt3.7-Bt3.8 each. Small retail shops are reportedly selling eggs for over Bt4 each, compounding the financial pressure on households that consider eggs a dietary staple. Despite the Ministry's stance, sources indicate a contradictory scenario painted by official data, suggesting cost increases are being passed along the supply chain to consumers.
Several market consumers report paying more than the prices suggested by authorities, highlighting a need for governmental intervention to address these discrepancies. They urge a thorough investigation and effective measures to prevent the soaring living costs from overwhelming low-income families.
Looking forward, the situation's trajectory remains uncertain, influenced by continuing global conflicts and their impact on supply chains. Authorities may face increased pressure to implement stricter enforcement of price controls and provide relief to affected consumers. The effectiveness of these measures will be crucial in mitigating financial strains on Thai households, reported The Nation.
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Adapted by ASEAN Now · The Nation · 23 Mar 2026