Overview of Pigs and Poultry: Specific Livestock Industries, Livestock Diseases and Policies in Thailand

The pigs and poultry industries are the major livestock sectors in terms of commercial livestock production in Thailand. The dramatic growth of the Thai economy since the 1960s was spearheaded by rapid expansion of agricultural industries such as the poultry sector and has since generated increased demand for other livestock commodities such as pork. While pigs have traditionally been an important part of the integrated farm system in Thailand, pork production has only recently developed into a promising commercial sector. While small growers once dominated the industry it is now reported that over 80% of the industry is involved in commercial production. While the commercial development of the poultry sector was characterised by substantial support from government and private sectors, the swine industry has suffered a long history of government intervention that constrained its progress toward a viable commercial sector. The degree of government intervention and associated factors such as the level and control of disease have been critical factors in the development and performance of both industries and will continue to determine how well they compete.