BANGKOK — In a pre-dawn operation Monday, city workers commenced the removal of the Lao Market from its location on Rama IV Road in Khlong Toei. They removed metal fences, roofing, ventilation fans, and demolished concrete pillars to restore the original sidewalk.
Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt arrived at 5:30 a.m. to inspect the demolition, alongside Khlong Toei District Director Ketjarin Samiphak and Police Colonel Pansa Amarapitak from Thong Lo Police Station, who oversaw security and traffic management. The Metropolitan Electricity Authority cut power supply, while the Metropolitan Waterworks Authority disconnected water services. Communication cables had been removed earlier.
“I couldn’t believe this day would come. We weren’t sure if we could accomplish this before our term ended. I must thank all the vendors for their cooperation – they’ve set a great example in helping make our city cleaner,” said Governor Chadchart.
The governor expressed sympathy for the vendors but emphasized that the space was needed for pedestrian access. The renovation will improve about 300 meters of sidewalk, including relocating bus stops to the area.
Deputy Governor Chakkaphan Phewngam noted that the remaining 51 vendors removed their belongings by 9 p.m. Sunday night (December 1). The demolition work, carried out by Khlong Toei District Office staff along with Public Works and City Law Enforcement departments, is expected to take three days.
“Some vendors have returned to their hometowns, while others have relocated to their original stalls in Khlong Toei Market or moved to the newly renovated Khlong Toei Market 2. The district director personally negotiated with market owners to reduce initial rental fees to ease the vendors’ transition,” Chakkaphan explained.
The market, known as “Lao Market” for its Northeastern Thai ingredients like fresh chicken, fish, vegetables, and other local products, operated under a temporary permit since May 31, 2005. Originally housing 96 vendors, it recently accommodated 91 vendors with stalls on both sides, leaving a 2-meter walkway between them.
The temporary permit was officially revoked on August 30, 2018, but vendors received extensions due to economic hardships, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. After Governor Chadchart’s election, plans to reclaim the space were initiated.
Khlong Toei district officials held meetings with vendors to explain the implementation plan and discuss assistance measures, including finding alternative market locations. The renovation notice was posted on November 7, announcing the permanent closure effective December 2, 2024.
The newly renovated Khlong Toei Market 2 features 400 stalls, with 79 allocated to existing vendors selling fresh food, seafood, seasonal fruits, and vegetables, and 320 for new vendors. The BMA collects rent at market rates with annual lease agreements.
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