THAILAND: Thailand Stops Expansion Of Hypermarkets
The Thai government has told foreign hypermarkets and other large retailers to halt their expansion following protests by owners of small independent stores, according to a report by the Financial Times. A Commerce Ministry official told the paper that the ministry's internal trade department had sent letters to 15 large retailers asking them to suspend their expansion plans until the government can adopt a new law governing the retail sector.

Deputy Commerce Minister Preecha Laohapongchana said the government would temporarily stop all new large retail stores, including those under construction. The order would affect foreign operators such as Tesco Lotus, Carrefour, Big C and convenience store chains such as CP 7-11. Large retailers are scheduled to meet government officials for talks next week.

until the government can adopt a new law governing the retail sector