Per capita meat consumption in Thailand 2019, by type

In 2019, pork consumption in Thailand amounted to almost ten kilograms per capita, which was the highest among the different types of meat. Meat is a significant part of the Thai diet and is included in many local dishes.

Pork consumption and farming in Thailand

Pig farming started as a way to supplement rice farming by rearing livestock. With little to no restrictions or regulations on pork consumption and production, the demand for pork has risen and become integrated into Thailand’s cuisine. In recent years, pork consumption per capita in Thailand had declined but is expected to increase in the future. In addition, Thailand is among the top ten countries with the highest pig stock in 2018 when compared to other countries or regions in the Asia Pacific.

Animal feed in Thailand’s livestock production

Livestock production in Thailand expanded as small-scale farming shifted towards a more commercialized setting. This led to increasing yearly demand for animal feed in Thailand throughout the years. Furthermore, it was forecasted that broilers and swine would consume the highest share of animal feed in Thailand in 2020. (997371) As for the main ingredients in animal feed, soybean and corn were most used by Thai farmers along with hay and pasture. However, the country’s hot and dry climate has resulted in a shortage of hay and pasture, leading to the use of rice, straw, and roughage as the main substitute.