Small retailers protest against foreign giants
Representatives of smal, local retailers gather in front of Government House yesterday, urging the authorities clearly define the areas in which large, foreign retailers can set up stores.
|
|
|
More than 200 local small retailers from across the country staged a new round of protests against multinational retail giants in front of Government House yesterday, urging the government to reduce the impact of the fast expansion of retail giants in many communities.
The protesters submitted a letter to Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont, Interior Minister Aree Wongsearaya, Commerce Minister Krirk-krai Jirapaet and Army Commander-in-Chief General Sonthi Boonyaratglin, asking them to find a solution to the controversy between local retail operators and the larger retailers. Thailand Consumer Power Association president Viroj na Bangchang and Association for Thai Wholesaling and Retailing president Somchai Pornratanacharoen submitted the letter on behalf of the protesters. PM's Office secretary-general General Pongthep Thetpratheep accepted it. Viroj said small local retailers faced serious problems from the fast expansion of multinational retail operators. They want the government quickly to implement the country's first ever Retail Business Act, which has already been drawn up but not yet approved by the Cabinet. The protesters demanded the government clearly define the areas in which large retailers can set up stores.
|
