State Railway fences merchants out of local Mor Chit market
Barricades were erected on Friday (September 20) near Mor Chit Bus Terminal as police joined with officials from State Railway of Thailand (SRT) to fence out merchants from a local market who have been accused of intruding into the area and impeding new railway construction.
The barricade encircled a 56,000 square metre area belonging to the SRT.
The acting SRT governor Worawut Mala said law enforcement had to be used after the merchants were repeatedly told since September 2, including through signage, that they must evacuate within seven days.
However, influential businessman Chaiyasit Ngamsub and his lawyer showed reporters bills and an official document signed on March 20, 2008, which appeared to show approval for utilising the area. The document has not yet been invalidated, said Chaiyasit.
He added that SRT has received a budget of more than Bt100 million to compensate venders in the market and no one had seen the money to date. He said he suspects SRT is trying to avoid having to pay those who would be affected from having to move out.