Work

Evolving food retail environments in Thailand and implications for the health and nutrition transition

Year: 2012

Type: article

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To investigate evolving food retail systems in Thailand. DESIGN: Rapid assessment procedures based on qualitative research methods including interviews, focus groups discussions and site visits. SETTING: Seven fresh markets located in the four main regions of Thailand. SUBJECTS: Managers, food specialists, vendors and shoppers from seven fresh markets who participated in interviews and focus group discussions. RESULTS: Fresh markets are under economic pressure and are declining in number. They are attempting to resist the competition from supermarkets by improving convenience, food diversity, quality and safety. CONCLUSIONS: Obesity has increased in Thailand at the same time as rapid growth of modern food retail formats has occurred. As fresh markets are overtaken by supermarkets there is a likely loss of fresh, healthy, affordable food for poorer Thais, and a diminution of regional culinary culture, women's jobs and social capital, with implications for the health and nutrition transition in Thailand.

Source: Public Health Nutrition

DOI: 10.1017/s1368980012004223

Authors: Cathy Banwell, Jane Dixon, Sam-Ang Seubsman, S Pangsap, Matthew Kelly, Adrian Sleigh

Institutions: Australian National University, Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University

Language: English

Topic: Economics of Agriculture and Food Markets

Subfield: Economics and Econometrics

Field: Economics, Econometrics and Finance

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Zero hunger, Good health and well-being

Open Access status: bronze

Funders: Wellcome Trust, Medical Research Council, National Health and Medical Research Council