This is yet another one for my "I don't get it" list. Local mom-and-pop retailers threatened to stage major protests if Lotus Express stores were to come to the Pattaya area, and that's exactly what happened. You can read the article about it on the PATTAYA DAILY NEWS web site, along with several photos and you can watch a video of what took place:

 

http://www.pattayadailynews.com/shownews.p...NEWS=0000004193

 

This makes it to my ever-growing list because I've been in several Lotus Express stores in Bangkok and they're virtually clones of 7-Eleven. Whatever you'll find at a Lotus Express is the same thing you'll find at any 7-Eleven, at the same prices.

 

Anyone who has been to Pattaya knows there are more 7-Eleven stores in this city than you can count. They're everywhere, including the area at which the protest took place, and more are under construction. Family Marts run a close second. On the two major sois that lead to my house, from Sukhumvit, there are five 7-Eleven stores alone.

 

I know of no protests about all the 7-Elevens and Family Marts. In light of that, I can't figure out why the coming of Lotus Express stores is causing such a brouhaha.

I have only been to one Tesco-Lotus Express which is on Rama IV not far from Soi Ngam Duphli. It seemed larger than the regular Seven elevens and carried a wider range of goods including breads and fresh vegetables.

 

Prices were, noticeably. a lot lower then seven- elevens on cola a water.

 

Having seen some Thai Ma and Pa shops which are extremely modest i wonder how they have the cheek to complain about Tesco-Lotus opening with bright, hygienic, new, air-conditioned shops selling produce cheaper than they do.

 

They would do better to complain about part of the profits going overseas.