PM vows to intervene in markets dispute
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha promised on Tuesday to look into a dispute between residents and Bangkok authorities over the presence of noisy markets around their homes in Prawet district.
PM vows to intervene in markets dispute
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha promised on Tuesday to look into a dispute between residents and Bangkok authorities over the presence of noisy markets around their homes in Prawet district.
The dispute has led to the closure of three markets, putting hundreds of vendors out of business.
Therefore, the premier said, the dispute must be dealt with according to the law and the process had to be followed carefully as it involved a large number of people.
The PM was referring to a long-standing feud involving one family in the Seri Villa housing project, who have accused the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration in Administrative Court of allowing markets to operate in an area designated for residential use only.
Two sister living in the same house complained the markets had polluted the area and that shoppers always blocked their driveway by parking their vehicles in front of their gate.
The issue attracted national headlines when the sisters used an axe and spade to attack a pickup that blocked their drive last week.
Prayut said the only thing to do was follow the rule of law and those found to be in the wrong would be punished.
“Previously, the government didn’t know about the problem but now we know and I have learnt about the information. I assured you that I will look into it,” Prayut said.
Meanwhile Prawet director Thanasit Mekpunmuang visited the area in question to examine whether the three markets ordered to cease operating without permits had followed the order.
He said the three markets had, indeed, shut and vendors had started cleaning the site. “For the vendors who lost their jobs, the BMA has provided alter
native places for them nearby.
One vendor, known only as Sayan, said he had sold pork at the offending market and now it had been shut, he was looking for somewhere else to operate.
He said he currently had not found a suitable spot and his family would suffer as he had no income.
Sathanee Arunpu, 54, said she sold flowers at one of the closed markets, earning about Bt700-800 per day.
“I have lost my income as the markets have closed and I have to find a new place,” she said.
Fish seller Chucheep Chawanasilp, 33, said he had previously worked at the market, albeit only at weekends.
“Now I don’t know what to do or where to sell the products,” he said. “I have two children to feed.”