BKK governor closes two markets after parking row

BANGKOK, Feb 21 (TNA) – Bangkok governor orders closure of two markets in Prawet district, effective immediately while a fact finding committee is set up to probe over the operation of all five markets following a parking dispute. Bangkok Governor Aswin Kwanmuang talked to the house owner, Boonsri Saengyoktrakarn over the phone, listening to her complaint over smoke, foul smell and noise from markets around her houses. He pledged to help solve her woe as soon as possible. Bangkok governor said he ordered the setting up of the fact finding committee to probe over the establishment and operation of five markets around her house if they are operated legally. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration will send letters to the market operators to inform traders how to improve their shops and stalls to meet legal regulations if they will continue trading there. He said it will be concluded within a week if these markets will be permanently closed or not. According to the initial investigation, Pol Gen Aswin said three markets – Suan Luang, Ple Market, Yingnara- sought permission for construction of commercial buildings but not for the purpose of setting up markets. The rest two markets – Rung Wanit and Rom Luang – have never sought any permission at all, so they operate illegally and were ordered to close immediately. The governor said he allowed three markets to remain opened to avoid impacts to traders as he wanted all sides to find acceptable solution together. Regarding officials’ negligence of duty, he said it was long-standing problem, so he needed time to probe over the case. The investigation into the operation of five markets came after the parking quarrel between the house owner and a shopper, parking her pick-up in front of the house on Sunday at the Seri Villa housing estate on Soi Srinakarin 55. The pick-up truck driver put the hand brake on, blocking the entrance of the house. Two sisters could not leave their home, smashing the vehicle with an axe and a metal pole. They refused to pay compensation for damage to the pickup owner. The case raises the problem of parking issues and other impacts from the operation of markets in the area. (TNA)