The Commerce Ministry is closely monitoring the price fluctuations of agricultural products as floods continue to impact several provinces in Thailand.
Wattanasak Sur-iam, the director-general of the Internal Trade Department, noted that the flooding has led to reduced supply, causing an increase in vegetable prices this week compared to last.
Currently, the market price for Hom Mali paddy rice stands at approximately 16,050 baht per tonne, while white paddy rice is priced at 11,300 baht per tonne and sticky paddy rice at 13,900 baht per tonne.
Tapioca is now priced at 2.95 baht per kilogram, maize (with a moisture content of 14.5%) at 11.40 baht per kg, and oil palm at 6.50 baht per kg.
In terms of meat, prices remain stable, with pork selling at 137.44 baht per kilogram and the average price of chicken eggs (size 3) holding steady at 4.23 baht per egg, consistent with last week.
The prices for aquatic animals are also stable, including tilapia, ruby tilapia (pla thapthim), catfish, and white shrimp (70 pieces per kg) priced at 187 baht per kg.
Mr. Wattanasak remarked that this year is considered a favorable one for Thai fruit, as prices remain stable and high compared to last year.
He mentioned that durian and mangosteen have recently been harvested from the South, while longkong is expected to hit the market next month.
However, longkong production is predicted to reach 40,000 tonnes this year, which is a decrease of 30-40% from last year, as more farmers opted to plant durian instead, according to Mr. Wattanasak.
Goranij Nonejuie, the deputy director-general of the department, highlighted that they are monitoring fresh vegetable prices at both wholesale and retail levels across central and regional areas.
He noted that following weeks of flooding which affected northern crops due to heavy rainfall since July, the prices of several vegetables have surged.
“Bok choy, cabbage, coriander, and spring onion are among the vegetables expected to see price increases,” Mr. Goranij stated.
The department has observed vegetable sales in major agricultural markets such as Talat Thai, Talat Si Mum Mueang, and Talat Sri Mueang, noting that while vegetable supply continues to flow into these markets, the quantities have decreased due to flood damage to farms.
However, sufficient vegetable supply is being maintained as markets source products from unaffected areas, particularly in the lower central region, according to Mr. Goranij.
To alleviate the cost of living for consumers, the department is collaborating with central markets and wholesale and retail outlets in each region to offer low-priced agricultural products.
These goods are being provided through 100 mobile units in Bangkok, as well as sales points in community areas and housing developments in Bangkok and its surroundings, he said.
The department has instructed provincial commercial offices nationwide to monitor vegetable supply and pricing, granting them the authority to connect with production sources in the event of supply shortages or price surges.
