Mini Big C trucks prompt concern from mom-and-pop vendors and ‘pumpuang’ trucks
A Mini Big C truck spotted in the Greater Bangkok area has caused consternation this week among people who worry the mobile retail outlets could undermine the livelihoods of “pumpuang” trucks and neighbourhood retailers
The pumpuang vendors are independent retailers using modified pickup trucks or motorcycles with sidecars making the rounds of crowded urban communities, housing estates and construction sites selling their wares.
The name pumpuang is of unknown origin but seems fitting, since both pum and puang translate as “bunch”, and the vehicles carry bunches of goods in small and more affordable quantities. Some vendors also sell cooked food in single-serving packets, which is convenient for budget-conscious consumers.
However, pumpuang trucks plying Bangkok streets have nothing to do with the late folk singer Pumpuang Duangjan.
Farmers often load up pumpuang truck to earn income between harvests.
Social media has recently been very critical of the new Mini Big C trucks, prompting Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha on Tuesday to ask the Commerce Ministry to check its legality and compatibility with the government policy to promote retailers.
On Wednesday, Big C Supercentre issued a statement saying it had only one Mini Big C truck operating in Bangkok and the vicinity. The retail chain said it was a pilot project and market feasibility, cost and impacts were being assessed.
The company also thanked the public for all input and promised consider concerns and suggestions.