On January 6 of this year, a new law came into force that will prohibit the export of pork for three months to supply local demand and thus reduce the cost of the product. However, many traders and consumers say that the measure is not enough, especially on the eve of the Chinese New Year.
Pork has risen roughly 35% from December 20 of last year to today. The increase is worrying for both consumers and traders. Soaring prices have caused sales to drop by over half.
While the government is trying to improve the situation by banning the export of live pigs until April 5 to boost local pork supplies, consumers and vendors argue the government to start importing pork, saying the high prices affect everyone.
The Agriculture and Cooperatives Ministry has vowed to help small-scale farmers achieve good farming management practices and minimum biosecurity requirements for farm animals.
The government also has asked the state-run Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives (BAAC) to provide Bt30 billion in soft loans to support farmers.
The relentless rise in pork prices in January has forced some small businesses to shut down or scale back their pork-related food businesses. Among those hit by the current situation are pork-grill shops in the southern province of Trang which are famous for their product.
