April 3, 2025 | 09:48 GMT +7

  • Click to copy
Thursday- 09:22, 17/08/2023

Thailand: Warning for illegal pork imports

(VAN) The Thai Swine Raisers Association (SRA) has warned for the consequences of smuggling illegal amounts of pig products into the Asian country.
Photos: SRA

Photos: SRA

The association shared a press release stating that illegal amounts have been flowing into Thailand since 2022, adding that the government was not able to help farmers in the country. In Thai business media, it was reported that talks have been carried out with a representative of Brazil about these illegal imports. Pork with German and Argentinian origin are also said to have been discovered.

Dr Kiattiphum Prueksawan, secretary-general of the SRA, said that the government has not yet allowed imports because Thailand has just recovered from the African Swine Fever (ASF) outbreak in 2021 and has increased pig production to meet domestic consumption.

Accelerating pork production to meet demand

Thai pig farmers managed to accelerate production to meet domestic consumption in 2022. It appears, the association said, that illegitimate amounts of pork have entered the market as well. As a result, farm gate pig prices fell significantly by the end of the fourth quarter of 2022.

Currently, the cost of raising pigs in Thailand is about US$ 2.57/kg – yet sales prices over the counter are $ 1.71/kg, causing a loss of $ 85.70/ pig. With a domestic production volume of roughly 50,000 pigs/day, the loss is estimated at $ 128.50 million/month.

Smuggling pork from abroad

In a panel discussion organised by the Animal Husbandry Association of Thailand (AHAT), Dr Kiattiphum said the smuggling of pork from abroad is still continuing. The panel discussion addressed the fact that the problem has not yet been resolved by the Thai government, even though some cases are currently under investigation by the Department of Special Investigation.

Dr Kiattiphum called on exporting countries not to accept orders from importers who are not authorised by Thailand, but instead to communicate about the problem.

At the same time, the Swine Raisers Association of Thailand will consult with the Department of Livestock Development in Thailand (the Thai ministry of agriculture) to send an official letter to inform international government agencies to prevent this illegal influx into the Thai market immediately.

HD

(PP)

Banks see a dire climate future - and ways to profit

Banks see a dire climate future - and ways to profit

(VAN) The nation’s top banks are quietly advising their clients on how to build a financial life raft - or perhaps life yacht - from the wreckage of runaway climate change.

Conflict and rising food prices drive Congolese into one of the world's worst food crises

Conflict and rising food prices drive Congolese into one of the world's worst food crises

(VAN) From FAO Office in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Brazil faces inflation risks as surging corn prices eclipse rice plunge

Brazil faces inflation risks as surging corn prices eclipse rice plunge

(VAN) Corn prices in the Campinas region have surged past 90 reais ($15.80) per 60-kg bag, the highest nominal level in nearly three years, marking a more than 23% jump year-to-date, according to the widely followed Cepea index from the University of Sao Paulo.

Breaking cycle of forest land grabs

Breaking cycle of forest land grabs

(VAN) Thailand’s efforts to address landlessness among its population has been a priority for multiple administrations.

Engaging the next generation in the connection between forests and foods

Engaging the next generation in the connection between forests and foods

(VAN) FAO, together with the Government of Italy, and a forest expert and a master ice cream maker from Italy, educate young students on the significance of forest foods at FAO Park.

The glyphosate debate

The glyphosate debate

(VAN) The EU has recently approved the use of glyphosate for another decade. Bárbara Pinho examines the controversial pesticide’s presence in British farming and considers the possibility of a ban in the UK.

The spread of H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza calls for stepped up action, FAO says

The spread of H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza calls for stepped up action, FAO says

(VAN) Averting losses of hundreds of millions of poultry crucial to mitigate impacts on food security, nutrition and affordability of poultry products.

Read more