Leading the fresh market vendors was Rueangsak Sae-Tan, who presented the formal request, which was received by Monchai Saelao, Director of the Provincial Damrongtham Center working group assigned to resolve the issue.
Following a heated discussion between fresh market vendors and representatives from Go Wholesale last month, no progress had been made to resolve the issue, Mr Rueangsak said.
The formal complaint submitted yesterday highlighted concerns regarding the impact of the proposed department store on local businesses, particularly those operating within the agricultural market.
Following the meeting on Jan 25, two key outcomes were outlined: Representatives of Go Wholesale were tasked with considering the concerns raised by the complainants and stakeholders; and they were to communicate their decision to Phuket Municipality and the petitioners.
That had not happened, the formal complaint noted.
The formal complaint urged the Damrongtham Centre to expedite the process of notifying Phuket Municipality and organising a meeting to address the matter.
As with the meeting on Jan 25, the meeting is to facilitate dialogue between the complainants and relevant stakeholders, foster a collaborative approach to finding a resolution. Both parties will have the opportunity to express their concerns and explore potential solutions, the complaint noted.
The key point raised by the fresh produce vendors at the Jan 25 meeting was the impact the Go Wholesale shopping centre will have on their incomes.
In response, representatives of Go Wholesale highlighted the shopping centre’s potential to boost the economy and tourism industry by creating jobs, paying taxes and stimulating the local economy.
Construction of the shopping centre is expected to create about 200 jobs and generate a total income of around B103 million a year. The developers are committed to paying approximately B20mn a year in taxes, including sign tax, property tax and local maintenance tax, while supporting local businesses. Construction and completion of the shopping centre alone is expected to cost B400mn.
Among the proposed solutions and suggestions from the meeting was to relocate the shopping centre to an area outside the urban community, and to ensure that such large developments do not sell goods and produce that directly overlap with those sold at fresh markets.
Another suggestion was to adjust opening and closing hours of the shopping centre to differ from those of the fresh market.
Phuket officials noted they would continue to act as mediator to the issues raised over the construction of the shopping centre, “working to foster understanding among all parties and ensuring fairness in accordance with the law”.