A storm of change is brewing at Bangkok’s iconic Chatuchak Weekend Market, as City Hall has issued eviction notices to 529 stallholders near the famous clock tower. Vendors have been ordered to vacate by April 30 to make way for an ambitious redevelopment plan, sparking controversy and concern among one of the city’s most beloved shopping destinations.
The announcement came during a press conference led by Suksan Kittisupakorn, chief of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration’s (BMA) market office, who outlined the rationale behind the sweeping move. Key concerns included market management transparency, contract non-renewals, and the future vision for the market’s development.
Rent Collection Under Scrutiny
During the briefing, Mr. Suksan addressed allegations that rent collected from vendors at Project 30 and around the clock tower had not been properly delivered to the BMA between 2019 and 2023. He insisted that receipts were issued, and payments were handed over to the finance section, denying any financial misconduct.
Currently, monthly rental fees at the market vary: permanent stalls are charged 1,800 baht, green stalls 1,400 baht, and plant stalls 900 baht. Although the BMA operates the market, the land itself belongs to the State Railway of Thailand, to which the city pays an annual fee of 169 million baht.
Pandemic Fallout and Financial Adjustments
Due to the economic fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic, the market office had previously waived or reduced fees for some vendors, leading to a drop in revenue between 2020 and 2024. More recently, additional fees—such as management and vending charges—have been introduced to offset these financial losses.
Defending the BMA’s decision, Mr. Suksan emphasized that the agency has full authority to cancel rental contracts and adjust fines for late payments, countering criticisms of excessive penalties.
Redevelopment Plans and Vendor Relocation
The redevelopment plan stems from long-standing complaints about the market’s layout. Mr. Suksan noted that the pathway near the clock tower had shrunk from 19 meters to just 9 meters due to stall expansion, causing congestion, obstructed shopfronts, and poor ventilation. In response, the BMA aims to transform the clock tower area into a new landmark attraction to boost tourism.
While vendors were initially given the option to relocate to other market stalls—about 200 of which were available—only 15 took up the offer. The standard 60,000 baht relocation fee was waived for eligible vendors in an effort to ease the transition.
However, not all vendors were in good standing. Of the 529 affected stallholders, 122 had overdue rent payments, leading the market office to cancel their contracts and initiate legal action to recover unpaid fees.
Vendors Push Back
In response to the evictions, affected vendors have petitioned Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt, demanding an investigation into the BMA’s handling of the market’s management. Many fear the redevelopment will strip the market of its original charm and make it less accessible to small business owners.
With the April 30 deadline fast approaching, the fate of these vendors hangs in the balance as the city pushes forward with its vision for a revitalized Chatuchak Market.
By Lawrence Davis
