Endo Gen analyzes Thailand's retail structure in the light of its entire distribution system, examining how changes have affected not only horizontal, competitive relationships between modern and traditional retailers, but also vertical relationships with manufacturers and wholesalers. Rather than focusing narrowly on the urban middle-class consumer market, he considers the markets' income differentials--the "mosaic structure"--which is an indispensable framework for discussing the retail and consumption practices of an emerging economy.

Endo Gen is associate professor in international relations at Daito Bunka University.