Thailand: Introduced Trade Competition Bill including merger control regulation

On 22 May 2016, the Trade Competition Bill was introduced by the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO). The Bill replaces the previous Trade Competition Act (B.E. 2542) and introduces exemptions for central, regional, or local administrations, state-owned enterprises, public organisations, farmer groups, cooperatives, and businesses regulated under other sectoral laws. The Bill states that business mergers that significantly reduce competition must be reported to the Commission, and those causing monopolies require prior permission. Damaged parties can file lawsuits for compensation within one year of knowing the cause of the damage. Violations of the Bill can result in criminal and administrative penalties, including imprisonment and fines.