Thailand: “Blue Complex” project of Commerce Ministry selling cheap products
Description
The Commerce Ministry of Thailand launched a "Blue Complex" project with more than 1000 products taking turns on promotional sale from 18 July 2009 onwards. The project is aimed at helping people with their cost of living during the crisis. The “Blue Complex” Center was opened at the Chatuchak subway station in Bangkok with shops selling low-priced products ranging from clothes, shoes, and coffee beverages.
The project is part of the 'Blue Flag' scheme by the Internal Trade Department under the Ministry. It is expected to last for three months with possible extension for another two and its budget is estimated at 40 million baht. The scheme enables to sell their products directly to the public in the subway station with no rental or space-related charges. Prices are estimated to be 15-50% lower than in other stores.
During the investigation of this measure it was not possible to establish precisely the list of domestic and foreign products on sale in the “Blue Complex” project. Many sources point, however, to Thai small local manufacturers as the principal beneficiaries of this scheme. If this is the case, the scheme amounts to state encouragement of private consumers to buy locally produced goods.
Any Evidence-Based Deliberation:
| Question | Result |
|---|---|
| Is there anything in the public record to suggest that evidence of the effectiveness of the proposed measure was considered during official deliberations? | Yes |
| Is there any evidence that alternatives to the proposed measure were considered? | No |
| Is there anything in the public record that suggests that empirical evidence informed the comparison across the alternatives available to government? | No |
| Was such evidence identified? | No |
| Is such evidence publicly available? | No |
| Did the official decision-maker in question provide an explanation as to why a chosen measure was favoured over alternatives? | No |
| Is there any evidence to suggest that potentially affected trading partners were consulted before the measures were taken? | No |
| Is there any evidence that safeguards have been put in place to ensure that implementation of the initiative is transparent and non-discriminatory? | No |
| Did the government state its intention to review the measure within one year of implementation? | Yes |
Date Discovered: 15/07/2009
Implemented: Yes
Date of inception: 18 Jul 2009
Duration: 3 months
GTA Evaluation: Amber
Source:
Commerce Ministry, BMCL launch "Blue Complex", National News Bureau of Thailand, July 20, 2009, http://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news.php?id=255207200030
Commerce Ministry, BMCL launch "Blue Complex", National News Bureau of Thailand, July 14, 2009, http://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news.php?id=255207130044
“Blue Complex” seen as shoppers’ delight, Bangkok Post, July 7, 2009, http://www.bangkokpost.com/business/economics/19802/blue-complex-seen-as...
Thailand: Commerce Ministry to launch 'Blue Complex' project, 14 July 2009, Thai News Service
Government Response:
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