Bangkok: Rice and curry shops are grappling with the challenge of keeping prices stable as the cost of eggs and pork continues to rise, impacting both vendors and consumers. Despite these increases, most local food stalls are striving to maintain their prices, holding out hope that government intervention will ease the burden of rising living costs.
According to Thai News Agency, the Department of Trade recently assured the public that egg prices are stabilizing and there are no additional factors that might cause further increases. Ms. Chanpen Prasertsom, who runs a rice and curry shop on Ratchadamnoen Nai Road, reported that her costs have surged due to a 10 baht increase per tray of chicken eggs and a similar hike per kilogram of pork. Consequently, she has raised the price of dishes containing these ingredients by 5 baht each, affecting the overall affordability for customers.
Mr. Boonchana Nantabutr, a patron of a local rice and curry shop, expressed concerns over the rising costs. He noted not only the increased price of eggs but also the reduced portion size of Chinese sausage in his meals. Fearing that dish prices could reach an unaffordable 60-70 baht range, he urged the government to take steps to lower living costs and adjust the minimum wage to better align with these economic pressures.
The Office of Trade Policy and Strategy (OTPS) of the Ministry of Commerce has projected a 3-5% chance of price hikes for single-dish meals due to inflation. In response, Mr. Sittiphan Thanakiattipinyo, President of the National Swine Breeders Association, announced a 2 baht per kilogram increase in the recommended farm gate price for live pigs. This adjustment aims to align prices with production costs amidst stable domestic consumption. Large-scale pig farmers are collaborating to maintain a balanced supply, aiding small-scale farmers in sustaining their operations.
On the topic of egg prices, Mr. Witiyakorn Maneenet, Director-General of the Department of Internal Trade, has been actively monitoring the situation with key stakeholders. Even as the farm gate price for mixed eggs rose from 3.60 baht to 3.80 baht per egg, producers anticipate no further increases. Improved weather conditions and a growing supply of animal feed corn are expected to reduce feed costs. Mr. Manoch Chutabtim, President of the Egg Producers Association, forecasts a decrease in feed costs starting in August, predicting stable egg prices due to increased production from young hens.