Egg Prices Surge to Pandemic Levels in Khon Kaen
Egg prices in Khon Kaen have jumped to pandemic levels amid rainy season shortages, with size-4 eggs vanishing from markets and retailers expecting the crisis to last three more months.
Khon Kaen — Chicken egg prices have jumped 6 baht per dozen, matching levels seen during the Covid outbreak. Retailers blame the rainy season for reduced laying, with size-4 eggs absent from markets for a month. They expect the shortage to persist for another three months. Some curry rice restaurants are adjusting menus to reduce egg-based dishes.
August 13 — A reporter surveyed egg stalls at Banglumphu Fresh Market in Khon Kaen Municipality and found them selling out quickly throughout the day as restaurant operators and residents stock up.
Jetsada Champanu, 43, owner of Ponsawan Fresh Egg shop, said prices have risen three times, with each dozen increasing 20 satang per egg, or 6 baht per dozen overall—matching pandemic-era rates. Size-0 eggs are expensive and rarely ordered. Size-2 eggs sold for 130 baht last year; they now cost 140 baht per dozen. Size-4 eggs have disappeared from shelves for a month.
"Right now prices are high and supplies are short," Jetsada said. "When I place orders, I only get about 50 percent of what I request. I expect this to last another two to three months. Farms say laying hens are producing less than market demand requires, especially during the rainy season when output drops significantly."
Jongthanum Suabsing, 43, owner of Khrua Thoem Suk curry rice restaurant, normally buys size-3 eggs from a wholesale dealer. She previously paid 115 baht per dozen but now pays 135 baht. Fried eggs that sold for 5 baht each rose to 10 baht per egg about two months ago. The restaurant has also adjusted its menu to avoid dishes heavy in eggs, while monitoring rising pork and chicken prices.
The restaurant has not yet raised prices across the board, still offering some dishes from 40 baht for two curries. Special menu items come with notice of any price increases.
