Three retail outlets selling inexpensively-priced goods, and operated separately by the Commerce Ministry, will be merged into a single entity, according to Deputy Commerce Minister Nattawut Saikua.
He said the move was aimed at enabling the public to buy commodities at lower-than-market prices throughout the country.
The Commerce Ministry has operated three retail chains – Took Jai, Show Huay Show Suay and Blue Flag – under the supervision of the Business Development Department and Internal Trade Department.
He said the proposal would be submitted to Commerce Minister Niwatthamrong Boonsongpaisan and Deputy Commerce Minister Yanyong Phuangrach for approval.
The restructured retail business, including a call centre, will be wholly operated by the private sector, said Mr Nattawut.
He said the Business Development Department would continue promoting retail business in Thailand by providing know-how, management skills and access to financial sources to retail shops which applied to join the Retail-Wholesale Promotion Project
He said 5,212 private retail operators have applied for assistance and support under the project, representing a monthly increase by 13 per cent for wholesale operators and 17 per cent for retail operators.
