Vendors Protest Revoking Trading On Pavement 24 Hours A Day

[Jai Dee]

Group of vendors in Bobae criticizing working officials aloud

The situation in Bobae Market is still muddled as metropolitan police and Bangkok officials are trying to occupy more areas of the market in the midst of many protesting vendors and observing public members.

About 500 metropolitan police officers, special units, and municipal officials have joined forces to take over Bobae while a construction vehicle is still drilling the footpaths in the market. However, local vendors have become more dissatisfied after officials have dispatched two more construction vehicles in the area. The vendors have gathered together to criticize the working officials at full volume.

Meanwhile, the banks and the stores at the opposite side of Bobae Market have temporarily closed, while the salesclerks are eagerly looking at the situation as they fear that aggressive protest may set off. At the moment, no Bangkok administrators have come to inspect the operation in Bobae Market.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 05 January 2007

[Jai Dee]

BMA put up barriers of zinc sheets around Bobae market

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has put up barriers of zinc sheets around Bobae Market, while last night policemen and city officials held up perimeter around the place to prevent a riot.

Bobae market vendors who were protesting at the market dissipated since yesterday afternoon, amidst the clearing work by officials and the drilling of the footpaths in the market by construction vehicles. As many as 150 policemen were accompanied by about 100 city officials in their tasks to keep the peace while workers continue the drilling. Their concern was over possibility of disruptions by disgruntled vendors at Bobae. Part of the officials also helped to facilitate traffic around the vicinity.

Some Bobae vendors remained in observation throughout the night but no clashes between them and officials occurred.

Traffic along Kasatsuk (กษัตริย์ศึก) junction and Phadungkrungkasem (ผดุงกรุงเกษม) road was restored to normal since last night.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 06 January 2007

[Jai Dee]

Bo Bae dealers finally register themselves with the BMA

The director of the Pomprabsattruphai (ป้อมปราบศัตรูพ่าย) district, Chanitsorn Suebsang (ชนิศฎ์สรฐ์ สืบสังข์) revealed that 82 Bo Bae street vendors have registered with the district to receive assistance so far. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has just strictly prohibited them from operating on the pavement along the Phadungkrungkasem (ผดุงกรุงเกษม) canal in the Bo Bae Market.

The director said that the rest of the dealers can register with the authority until January 19, from 08.00-15.00 hrs. She expects that the district can find new locations for them to resume their business within two months.

Meanwhile, there is no protest today at the market and shops located at the opposite side of the Phadungkrungkasem canal operate as usual. BMA officials have set up zinc sheets around the canal to prevent the dealers from entering the area.

However, there are still some dealers defying the officials by hanging their products on the zinc sheets. BMA has deployed more than ten municipal officials to patrol the area around the clock.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - -8 January 2007

[Jai Dee]

Nine buildings at Bobae Market gutted from fire

The fire at Bobae Market last night (Jun 25) destroyed a total of nine buildings.

Mr. Surakiart Limcharoen, the Director of Pathumwan District, said that there were still flames fuming from the fire, and the firefighters had to continually spray water to smother them. He said the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) assessed the damage and revealed that six of the buildings were seriously destroyed and will have to be demolished. However, he said the Public Works officials will have to reassess the area once again today.

Mr. Surakiart said business operators who have been affected from the fire and need assistance can register at Bobae Market. At the moment, four out of 29 troubled business operators have registered themselves.

Mr. Surakiart warned people in Bobae Market to be more careful as a similar fire incident took at the market last year. He said the responsible committee is evaluating the damaged buildings and will approve whether they will be torn down or not.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 26 June 2007

[Mid]

Mr. Surakiart warned people in Bobae Market to be more careful as a similar fire incident took at the market last year.