Mr Vejjajiva told the ministry that eggs can be reduced by at least 20 satang each and pork should also be cheaper, because the information showed the raw material costs for pork can be cut without any impact on farmers.

According to Bangkok Post, the ministry yesterday reported to the cabinet that egg and pork prices are likely to drop because more supplies are coming on to the market.

The Internal Trade Department reported egg prices as of May 18 at about 2.90 baht each in mixed sizes, and 3.30-3.40 baht each for size three eggs.

The ministry’s price suggestion was 2.90 baht an egg, and 135 baht a kilogramme for pork red meat.

Vachara Kannikar, Deputy government spokesman said the ministry reported that businesses asked to increase prices for 11 products in March, including palm oil, soybean oil, fresh milk, fertiliser, steel, batteries, tyres, electrical wire, soap, lubricant oil and monosodium glutamate.

The ministry allowed increases for only four products - palm oil, soybean oil, fresh milk and fertiliser.

He said Deputy prime minister Suthep Thaugsuban told the cabinet that the ministry has authority to immediately reduce palm oil prices without seeking approval of the National Palm Oil Committee because 47 baht a litre was only a ceiling price.

The farmers also have already sold fresh raw palm oil at less than 6 baht per kg.