It seems the Commerce Ministry is likely to come under fire again with the enactment of the retail business law, which may satisfy some and anger others.

That was apparent in the conference room at The Nation when opponents and supporters of the law were present at a round-table discussion.

With the absence of any neutral participants like academics, it was easy to see that the discussions could spark argument.

Indeed, that was what one participant expected.

The first person to walk in said: "I'm worried. We don't have any academics here. Anything could happen."

He was right.

When participants started to express their views on the law and its likely effect, Thanapon Tangkananan, president of the Thai Retailers' Association, started to complain that the Internal Trade Department, which instigated the law, had never sought any opinions from the association on the drafting.

Vatchari Vimooktayon, deputy director-general of the department, did not take the opportunity to react.

When it was his cue to speak, Niroot Vatcharapichart, head of the Federation of Thais Opposing Foreign Retailers, directly attacked Thanapon and Tesco Lotus senior vice president Darmp Sukontasap.

"I thank The Nation and all participants except Khun Thanapon and Khun Darmp. What you have said is untrue. You said you had stopped construction work on new outlets, while our survey has found that they are continuing," Niroot said.

And it was not Darmp who responded.

Thanapon was so impressed with Niroot's oratory, he said, that "if you ran for election, you'd win a lot of votes. Indeed I'd vote for you myself, whether or not you thank me for being here."

Only imagine how tempers will rise once the law is eventually enacted.

achara_d@nationgroup.com