Chalong’s ex-mayor resists pressure to close popular Suksamran Market

[snoop1130]

 

Former Chalong Mayor Samran Jindapol is standing his ground against formal charges, refusing to shut down the popular Suksamran Market on Chao Fa East Road, despite pressure from Chalong Municipality.

 

The market, which has been functioning without disruption for nearly ten years, is still bustling with residents and vendors, who continue to back Samran staunchly.

 

The ex-mayor, fondly known by locals as Nayok Samran or Prime Minister Samran, faced the charges at Chalong Police Station last week. He stands accused of operating a public market without the necessary authorisation and of disregarding an official directive.

 

Following these developments, he organised a press conference at the market yesterday (November 23), urging Chalong Municipality to clarify the charges against him.

 

Samran contends that the market has always been operated within the bounds of the law, and yet, it has not been granted the requisite official permission to open. The market, set up on his land at an expense of 400,000 baht, was initially an initiative to provide locals with an avenue for selling fresh produce and making a living.

 

Over the years, Suksamran Market has won over both locals and vendors, becoming a popular spot in the community. This popularity was evident when Samran presented himself at the police station on November 17, and numerous vendors turned up in a show of support. The same support was extended at the press conference, with Samran receiving large garlands and roses from the community.

 

By Mitch Connor

Caption: Photo courtesy of Phuket News

 

Full story: The Thaiger 2023-11-24

 

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[hotchilli]

11 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Samran contends that the market has always been operated within the bounds of the law, and yet, it has not been granted the requisite official permission to open.

Maybe Samran doesn't understand that the market has operated without permission to do so from day one.

 

[expat_4_life]

4 hours ago, hotchilli said:

Maybe Samran doesn't understand that the market has operated without permission to do so from day one.

 

"According to Samran, when he first established the market, he had adhered to all legal regulations, and the market was given the green light to operate. However, issues arose during the renewal of the market’s licence."

 

The article says Samran was given permission to open, at least initially.

Likely powerful/wealthy interests that don't want the relatively cheaper market open and would like to get their hands on his land, hence his difficulty with the license in subsequent years.

Hope Samran/community win and the market remains.

Edited November 25, 2023 by expat_4_life