Yesterday, hundreds of local retailers in Ayutthaya's Sena district, formed a group to protest against Tesco Lotus's plan to open an outlet there.

One protester said that although Tesco Lotus wasn't planning to set up a mega-store, vendors still feared losing their businesses.

The UK-based superstore had planned to set up a "Lotus Express" store, adding to its 135 existing compact outlets. It plans to open a further 100 compact stores this year in response to new city zoning regulations which have prevented it from opening larger outlets in some areas. In Sena, the outlet is planned to occupy a double town house.

Protesters said the arrival of international franchise chains has led to the demise of "mom-and-pop" stores in other parts of the country. They don't want the same to happen to their community.

Earlier in Bangkok, local food vendors in Bang Kapi market protested against CP's chicken kiosk, forcing the company to close it just two days after it opened.

Sena market, which can trace its history back several decades, features rows of shops with wooden doors standing side by side along small pedestrian alleys. Customers can buy goods on credit, as personal connections are deemed the debt's guarantee, and some vendors even provide delivery services.

Locals fear for the market's future should a chain store open nearby.

Vegetable sellers said they feared losing their business because Lotus Express would undercut them.

Yesterday's protesters dispersed after receiving an assurance from the governor of Ayutthaya that Lotus Express would avoid selling products that compete directly with local vendors.

But even that was not enough to calm their jitters. They know all too well the dangers of a big fish entering a small pond.

busdsk@nationgroup.com.