Bangkok:The Ministry of Commerce is actively monitoring the prices of rice and corn in response to a tight supply of chicken eggs caused by recent flooding. The Department of Internal Trade is implementing strategies to control these prices and delay production releases into the market. Measures are also in place to address the limited supply of chicken eggs, with efforts to slow down exports and increase market availability. Additionally, prices for several vegetables have begun to decrease.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Wattanasak Suea-iam, Director-General of the Department of Internal Trade, reported on the pricing situation for agricultural products and consumer goods as of October 22, 2026. He noted that overall rice and crop prices remain favorable. The current market prices for fragrant jasmine rice, Pathum Thani rice, and white rice have seen increases, while long-grain glutinous rice and cassava prices have remained stable.
The Cabinet has approved projects to manage rice prices, including a storage fee initiative for farmers and a loan project for agricultural institutions. These efforts aim to manage the projected rice production of 8.5 million tons. Similarly, the Department of Internal Trade is addressing animal feed corn production with stockpiling and loan programs to manage a total output of 400,000 tons.
Flooding in Prachinburi province has affected the egg supply, resulting in a daily loss of approximately 2 million eggs from the national production. To address this, the Department of Internal Trade has coordinated with exporters to temporarily halt egg exports and is working with relevant departments to extend the culling period for hens, thereby increasing domestic supply.
The Department of Internal Trade, in cooperation with the Consumer Protection Police Division, is conducting inspections to prevent hoarding and price gouging. Meanwhile, the price of vegetables, which had risen due to flooding, is showing a downward trend as supplies from unaffected areas supplement the market. However, Jinda chili peppers may experience a short-term price increase due to the transitional harvesting season.
The Ministry of Commerce is also launching the "Commerce Price Reduction! Helping the People, Lot 22 New Year Mega Sale" project, offering discounts on consumer goods and home recovery supplies after the floods, with sales points spread across Bangkok and other provinces. The Department of Internal Trade continues to monitor prices of various items and requests businesses to maintain price stability and offer promotions to alleviate living costs.