More than 100 vendors from Phe Leu market in Kratie town protested yesterday after they arrived at work to find security guards refusing to let them sell at their usual spots, vendors said.

More than 20 unarmed guards blocked the protesters, forcing them to set up their businesses at a new market building away from the street, said vendor Thy Chantha, 32.

“We do not want to move because we do well at the old place. At the new stall, we won’t be able to sell enough to afford rent,” Chantha said.

According to Hang Chandy, governor of Kratie town, the guards were only keeping public order.

“Selling on the street is messy. We feared accidents, so we suggested they sell at the market building for aesthetics and safety,” he said.

Chandy said the new market was built by the government, but vendors believe it is owned by a private company.

“We depend on our sales, so we want to sell at our old place as usual,” vendor Sa Bros, 32, said.