Guest wowpow Posted January 11, 2008 Posted January 11, 2008 "Protests against Tesco Express turn ugly as crowd burns coffin Feelings ran high amongst local shop owners on December 28 as they gathered to burn a coffin in protest at the proposed opening of Pattaya’s first Tesco Lotus Express outlet. More than 100 protestors congregated with picket signs in front of the Tesco Express outlet on Sukhumvit Road at Central Pattaya, with their leaders whipping up emotions by saying that the authorities were allowing the store to open against the wishes of the local shopkeepers. Protests have been held against the opening of the store on several occasions, and the local shop owners have been told the situation is being examined. Construction work on the store was halted briefly, but there has been no final resolution to the situation." Pattaya Mail I have strong suspicions that it is 7-Eleven and Family Mart - and not Mom and Pop stores - who are concerned at the lower prices at Lotus Express and maybe encouraging protests damaging their virtual monopoly Quote
Gaybutton Posted January 12, 2008 Posted January 12, 2008 I have strong suspicions that it is 7-Eleven and Family Mart - and not Mom and Pop stores - who are concerned at the lower prices at Lotus Express and maybe encouraging protests damaging their virtual monopoly I hadn't thought of that. You may be right. Even if they are allowed to open I can't help but wonder who is going to work there. I would think that most locals will be afraid to work there. If the store does eventually open, I believe it is only a question of time before we'll be reading articles about attacks or even murders involving those who work there and/or those who patronize the store. Quote
