We recently had a 7/11 open in our village in rural Isaan.
Was that a good thing or a bad thing?
One thing I see is a lot of the local vendors that use to be around the same location are closed down now.
There is also less food vendors in the local markets.
When people have very limited income and spend it at 7/11, it takes away from spending at local vendors. This has not been a good thing.
Another I noticed is the amount of villagers buying and eating junk food from 7/11 with their kids.
Is 7/11 convenient to have? Yes it is.
However, there is a cost when big business moves in a rural area and that cost is money lost for the local vendors.
I like 7/11 having an expat husband who always likes it.
But have to feel sorry for the local vendors losing income.