Elsevier Food international Vol. 10, Number 1, February 2007. Article by  Pascal Kuipers

Since the economic crisis of 1997/98, the Thai economy has been recovering despite a global economic downturn in the first years of the current decade. Like in other emerging markets in Southeast Asia and worldwide, modern retail infrastructure in Thailand is developing to the detriment of traditional channels of food and grocery distribution. However, representatives of traditional structures call for government intervention, especially to curb foreign retailers' expansion.

Tensions in Thailand's retail sector have been put in a new perspective since the military coup of 19 September 2006. Already in August 2006, disgruntled representatives of traditional food stores established the "Confederation of Thais Opposing Foreign Retailers". This confederation fiercely protests against the shakeout of traditional mom & pop stores due to foreign retailers' modern formats that drive small, local entrepreneurs out of business.

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