Charoen Pokphand Foods PCL (CPF) reassured that Thailand has enough food supplies available despite prolonged COVID-19 outbreak.

Mr.Prasit Boondoungprasert, Chief Executive Officer of CPF, said the company is committed to produce safe and sufficient foods for Thai people and consumer across the world, supporting its vision “Kitchen of the World”.

“Thailand is the 12th largest food exporter in the world, and only seconded by China in Asia. Moreover, we have advance livestock farming technologies and practices. As a result, Thailand can produce 41 million eggs, 5 million kilograms of pork and 8 million for chicken, of that 3 million for export, in a day. Therefore, we have enough foods for all Thai people,” he said.

Extra measures have been put into place to ensure both foods and employees are safe from the virus. The company also established its ‘COVID-19 Administration Centre’ to gather useful information from concerned government agencies such as Public Health Ministry and epidemic experts. The center will also closely monitor operations of its 26 businesses to perform well in line with the company implemented disease protection measures.

At farm, every employee and visitor are required to go through health checkpoints before entering the site as a precaution against COVID-19. All of them are required to wear gloves and masks all the time. In addition, employees at the manufacturing plants have to enter the processing line through Thermoscan, which is one of the best temperature screening tools.  

High-contact touch points, such as door handles and handrails, as well as other equipment are frequently disinfected. Hand sanitizers are being placed in many areas. Transit buses used by farm workers are cleaned after being used. These measures are stringently implemented and monitor to ensure the safety of those who work with the company. 

“Food security in Thailand is in our responsibility. Therefore, we must follow the safety measures accordingly. Our operation must be safe and systematic to make staffs confident in working with us,” he said, adding that the workers should feel that they are safer at work than staying at home.

To support the country during crisis, the company launched "CPF's food from the heart against COVID-19" project, which have been supported 105 public hospitals with COVID-19 patients and 20,000 individuals returned from abroad to 14-days home quarantine. CPF also extends the food delivery to over 18,000 families of doctors and nurses working in the frontline during the second phase.

The company has partnered with the government agencies to support people in need. CPF in collaboration with Ministry of Commerce have launched budget friendly meals at a price of 20 baht each. Furthermore, it has joined forces with Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives to give away free foods in underprivileged communities and teamed up with Royal Thai Army to support Khlong Toei community, which has 41,280 people living in, with frozen meal.

“COVID-19 outbreak could last one or two years. The company must be ready to do a business in this condition. Thai people are already adopted to safe practices. If we can maintain this kind of behavior, businesses and people will be able to move forward,” Mr. Prasit said.