Abstract:
The objective of this research is to seek appropriate antitrust measures to effectively control and curb non-price competition behavior in the carbonated soft-drink industry in Thailand. According to the research it indicates that the market structure of the carbonated soft-drink industry is Oligopoly. Therefore, non-price competition behavior is inevitable. In spite of stringent enforcement of Thailand Antitrust Law, B.E. 2522, such market structure persists and no additional competition is created. The only legal recourse to curb the oligopolistic nature of the market must be focused on control measures which selectively control conduct of players in the Dominant Position. This will control power abuse which can be damaging and unfair to other competitors, customers, suppliers, consumers, and new market entrants. Control of Dominant Position in the market will benefit competitors, customers, distributors, consumers and new market entrants. Use of the above mentioned control measures will ensure that dominant players in the carbonated soft-drink industry in Thailand, Thai Pure Drinks Limited and Sermsuk Public Company Limited, will not exercise their power because of their dominance to block out the new entrants. Therefore, barriers to new entry will be diminished. Hence, the market will be more open, leading to more price competition in the future.