Bangkok’s famed Chatuchak Weekend Market is at the center of a firestorm as City Hall orders the removal of 529 stallholders near the clock tower by April 30. The decision, part of a sweeping redevelopment plan, has sent shockwaves through the vendor community and raised questions about the future of one of Thailand’s most iconic marketplaces.
The Sudden Eviction Order
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) dropped the bombshell during a tense press conference led by market office chief Suksan Kittisupakorn. He defended the move, citing the need for greater transparency in market management and the vision to revamp the site into a modern landmark. However, for many longtime vendors, the order feels like a death sentence for their livelihoods.
Allegations of Mishandled Funds
A major controversy surrounding the eviction stems from accusations that rent collected from vendors between 2019 and 2023 was never properly transferred to the BMA. In response, Mr. Suksan insisted that all payments were documented and delivered to the finance section, dismissing claims of financial irregularities.
Market rents currently stand at 1,800 baht for permanent stalls, 1,400 baht for green stalls, and 900 baht for plant stalls. The BMA, which manages the market, leases the land from the State Railway of Thailand at a staggering 169 million baht annually.
Fallout from COVID-19 and Financial Adjustments
During the pandemic, the market office reduced or waived fees for certain vendors, leading to a significant drop in revenue between 2020 and 2024. Recently, the BMA introduced new management and vending fees to recoup losses, stirring further unrest among stallholders.
Vendors Left with Few Options
The BMA claims it offered alternative vending spaces—waiving the usual 60,000 baht relocation fee—but only 15 vendors accepted. Many cite concerns about foot traffic and visibility in the proposed locations.
Worse still, 122 vendors who owe back rent face not just eviction but potential legal action as the market office moves to recover unpaid fees.
A Fight for Survival
Angry vendors have petitioned Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt, demanding an investigation into the market’s management. Many fear that the redevelopment will sanitize and commercialize Chatuchak beyond recognition, stripping away its unique charm and hurting small business owners.
As the April 30 deadline looms, tensions at Chatuchak Market are reaching a breaking point. Will the city’s grand vision spell disaster for the very vendors who made the market a global attraction? The battle for Chatuchak’s soul is just beginning.
