Bangkok: The price of chicken eggs at the farm has increased by 20 satang, reaching 4 baht per egg. The Commerce Ministry is actively working to delay the culling of laying hens, with expectations that the situation will stabilize within a month.
According to Thai News Agency, a network of four egg-laying chicken cooperatives, including the Paedriew, Chiang Mai-Lamphun, Chonburi, and Mae Nam Noi Egg-Laying Chicken Cooperatives, announced a rise in the recommended farm-gate price for mixed chicken eggs weighing 20.5 kilograms or more. The adjustment raises the price from 3.80 baht to 4.00 baht per egg, translating to an increase of 6 baht per tray of 30 eggs, effective from August 7, 2026, until further notice.
The increment sets the new farm-gate price of mixed-size chicken eggs at 4.00 baht per egg, equating to approximately 120 baht per tray. Prices for individual sizes vary: Size 0 eggs are priced between 4.30-4.60 baht, Size 1 between 4.10-4.20 baht, Size 2 between 3.90-4.00 baht, and Size 3 between 3.80-3.90 baht.
Mr. Witiyakorn Maneenet, Director-General of the Department of Internal Trade, explained that the price rise is due to a reduction in the supply of chicken eggs, while consumer demand has remained stable. Currently, around 43 million eggs enter the market daily, a drop from 45 million eggs daily in the previous year. Egg exports have remained stable and have not impacted the domestic supply significantly. The decline in production is attributed to the gradual culling of laying hens, reducing the number of productive hens. The Department of Internal Trade is collaborating with the Department of Livestock Development to delay the culling of laying hens, aiming to extend production and stabilize market supply. It is anticipated that the situation will normalize within a month.
Mr. Witiyakorn also noted that animal feed costs are influencing the price situation due to a seasonal shortage in domestic animal feed corn production. The supply is expected to improve as new season corn enters the market from mid-August, potentially reducing feed costs.
Several animal feed factories, which had closed for maintenance in July and August, are reopening this week, coinciding with the incoming new corn harvest.
Earlier price adjustments for chicken eggs were impacted by erratic weather conditions, resulting in reduced productivity of hens. Farmers faced high production costs, including feed, energy, and farm management expenses. With the gradual recovery in consumer demand following school reopenings, chicken egg prices have increased accordingly.
In March 2026, the recommended farm-gate price for mixed chicken eggs rose from 3.20 baht to 3.40 baht per egg. It then increased to 3.60 baht on March 28, remaining steady for over three months, before rising by 20 satang to 3.80 baht on July 6. Today's increase to 4.00 baht marks a total rise of 80 satang since mid-March.
The Department of Internal Trade and egg producers had initially anticipated that prices would stabilize or decrease in August, based on favorable weather conditions, increased production from younger hens, and a greater supply of animal feed corn. However, the ongoing culling of caged hens has led to another rise in the recommended farm-gate price.
Mr. Witayakorn stated that the Department of Internal Trade is implementing measures to distribute eggs through large wholesale and retail stores and has allocated budgets to various provinces to offer eggs at recommended prices, aiming to ease living costs. The department will continue to monitor the situation closely, both in terms of production volume and pricing.
The Department of Internal Trade estimates that the egg market should return to equilibrium within a month, aided by the delayed culling of laying hens, the gradual entry of new season corn, and reduced feed costs.