Led by Apisit Khanpakdee, the group carried signs saying they would rather pay higher rental fees than lose their pitch sites.
Vice Governor Chokdee Armornwat was presented to hear the vendors’ complaint.
Karon Municipality announced on November 26 they wanted to lease out 12 ground-floor units and six second-floor units of a two-storey building at Karon View Point, as well as auction the rights to operate two restrooms at Nai Harn lake and a food centre located at Klong Pakbang.
The auction is to be held on December 14.
“The buildings belong to or are under the care of Karon Municipality. Now the buildings have come up for lease and this has caused much distress to many vendors who have been renting and working at the sites for over 10 years,” Mr Apisit said.
“We understand business is tough for everyone now, but please don’t take away our places of work. Give us the opportunity to make a living and don’t let those wealthier than us take over and kick us out,” he said.
“We don’t have the money to compete with business people who want to win the leases of these buildings,” Mr Apisit added.