Saha Farm Group president and CEO Manoonsri Chotitawan said the demand for eggs is expected to grow continuously, and the supply does not always meet the level of consumption.

"The country produces about 8 billion eggs a year, while demand is about 20 billion eggs a year. The company is seeking to take advantage of this shortfall," Ms Manoonsri said, adding that Saha Farm was aiming at the high-end market.

She also said that the price should drop from Bt3 per egg to Bt2.20 because the liberalisation of the industry would bring more importers into the market.

At present, only nine importers have been given a limited quota for supplying eggs. However, after the price of eggs skyrocketed, the Cabinet decided to allow independent import of eggs.

Meanwhile, the Commerce Ministry is calling on the Thailand Restaurants Association and Food Courts to produce cheap "food bags" to help low-income earners shoulder the rising cost of living.

Vatchari Vimooktayon, director-general of the Internal Trade Department, said food retailers should sell food bags for Bt20-Bt25 to offer a cheaper alternative for low-income earners. According to the ministry's survey, the retail price quoted for food bags was Bt30 to Bt40.