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Published on August 31, 2007

A source from the Commerce Ministry said both manufacturers and suppliers had accused Tesco Lotus, which launched a low price campaign called "Roll Back", and Big C superstore, which launched a campaign called "Check Price", of such practices.

Many manufacturers have complained to the department that some large retailers had forced them to decrease prices to unfair levels, leading to market monopolies which would not only harm manufacturers, but also the market mechanism.

"Prices are lower than manufacturing costs," said Siripol Yodmuangcharoen, director-general of the department.

"The department is closely monitoring all retailers in the country. To ensure all accusations are true, the department will soon meet with all major suppliers of each retailer to seek information for investigation," Siripol said.

If this is the case, the superstores would be violating a clause in the Trade Competition Act.

The department would then set up special trade committee to rule on the case.

Siripol said the business of these manufacturers and sup-

pliers were suffering because they could not sell goods to other retailers, who wanted them to quote the same prices as the retail giants.

Petchanet Pratruangkrai,

The Nation