A group of consumer rights activists called on the government to step up measures to tackle the problem of drug-resistant bacteria in animals, after samples of pork from local markets in the city were found to contain traces of antibiotics.
Chanpen Wiwat, president of Foundation for Consumers, said antibiotics when improperly used can cause serious problems. Antibiotic-resistant bacteria in livestock pose a deadly threat to people.
She said the excessive use of antibiotics in livestock farming could lead to the development of antibiotic-resistant genes in animals, which can be passed on to humans through eating meat.
In January, a report was published on antibiotic-resistant genes in pigs in Thailand, sparking public concern over the dangers of eating pork.
But an expert later reassured the public by dismissing the report findings, saying it was safe to eat port that is cooked properly.
Ms Chanpen said around 18 types of antibiotics used in livestock production have been found to be ineffective due to the bacteria's resistance.
Antibiotics are commonly mixed with feed for livestock which is eaten every two weeks to one month.
The use of Colistin in livestock production helps improve farming conditions and reduce bacterial infections in farm animals. It also helps increase the level of immunity in animals, enabling them to resist contagious and dangerous diseases
Ms Chanpen demanded the government roll out a programme urging farmers to use antibiotics properly and moderately in livestock production for the sake of consumer safety.
Thai farmers are far too liberal in their use of antibiotics, she noted, saying the country spends around 10 billion baht on antibiotics annually.
Around 100,000 people fall victim to antibiotic resistance every year, with a number of them requiring hospital treatment.
Antibiotic infections are burdens on both people's health and the economy, she added.
Ms Chanpen also called on the government to launch a programme to raise public awareness about the importance of buying meat products from a reliable source and eating food products that are clean and fresh.
Saree Aongsomwang, the executive editor of Chaladsue, which translates to "buy wisely", said two samples of pork were found to contain antibiotics.
The foundation took 15 samples of pork from fresh markets, stores and online service to study whether they were contaminated with antibiotics.
Two samples of pork from a fresh market had permissible amounts of chlortetracycline.
Farmer Sitthichai Suksomsomboon who claims his pig farm is antibiotic free said he decided not to use the drug in livestock production after he got sick.
He said he was exposed to an antibiotic drug when mixing it with animal feed and subsequently became ill and needed treatment. Mr Sitthichai urged farmers to avoid using antibiotics in livestock production and to keep their barns clean.