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Published on December 13, 2007

The draft will also regulate those outlets, defining four major types: superstores/hypermarkets/discount stores, supermarkets, discount convenience stores/express outlets and general convenience stores. The draft will stipulate distances from communities for these stores and their opening times.

Director-general Yangyong Phuangrach said the draft would be released today at a meeting of the Retail Business Act committee.

"The draft will concentrate on providing a clear definition of each modern retail outlet to be regulated," he said.

Yangyong said under the draft, superstores/hypermarkets/discount stores must be not less than 12 kilometres from a municipal area. The district must have a total population, including tourists and visitors, of not less than 100,000. These stores will be allowed to operate no more than 12 hours a day.

Supermarkets will be allowed to operate not less than 5 kilometres from a municipal area within a district community of not less than 50,000 population. They will be allowed to open no more than 12 hours a day.

Discount convenience stores/express outlets will be allowed to open not less than 500 metres from a fresh market, with a total population in the community of not less than 10,000. They will be allowed to operate no more than 15 hours a day.

General convenience stores must be in communities with a population of not less than 3,000 and will be allowed to operate around the clock.

 Kwanchai Rungfapaisarn

 The Nation