A source from the ministry said it was confident that the Cabinet would approve the revised draft, because it included the necessary regulations to operate retail businesses while balancing benefits for large and small retailers.

The Cabinet rejected the first draft on March 27.

Key ministers said it would be insufficient to control retail businesses, and they asked the ministry to adjust it to ensure balanced benefits for all involved.

Ministers took issue with the structure and powers of the national and provincial retail and wholesale commissions that will regulate the business. They were also concerned about the criteria for the selection of commissioners.

Another worry raised by some Cabinet members was the lack of clear definitions for the types of retail business that would be covered by the proposed law.

After almost one month, the ministry has completed the revisions the Cabinet requested.

The ministry twice conducted focus-group hearings for all involved, in order to ensure fair practice.

Participants included representatives of modern retailers, local state authorities involved with the proposed regulations, retail-related associations and members of the Federation of Thais Opposing Foreign Retailers.

Under the revised draft, the definitions will cover retail and wholesale businesses that sell food and consumer goods. The ministry has also narrowed the qualifications for senior provincial and retail commissioners. The new draft shifts authority from central commissioners to provincial commissioners, as specific regulations are required for each province.

Panthep Suleesatira, president of the Federation of Thais Opposing Foreign Retailers, has called on the government to speed up implementation of the law in order to control the giant retailers' expansion.

Petchanet Pratruangkrai

The Nation