The final date was agreed at a meeting between Patong Mayor Chalermluck Kebsup and the final 17 remaining vendors yesterday afternoon (Dec 8).
Also present at the meeting was Phuket Provincial Chief Administrative Officer (Palad) Poonsak Naksaena, officials from Damrongdhama Centre (Ombudsman’s Office) and Capt Boontop Lanthong from the Office of Phuket Public Prosecution.
“We will turn the building into a new landmark,” Mayor Chalermluck said.
The new building will be in the shape of a “Micro Mod” boat, which is a dinghy that the late King Bhumibol designed and made by hand himself, she explained.
Vendors may continue to use the building until April 30, Mayor Chalermluck said.
“But they must clear away everything at the end of each day. They cannot leave anything behind,” she said.
After the building is complete, Patong Municipality will find a location for the vendors to set up again, she added.
Of the 17 vendors present at the meeting, 16 agreed and one disagreed with the resolution.
The delayed eviction date brings to a close a long-running dispute between Patong Municipality and vendors at the centre, which is popular among tourist along the Patong beachfront, with many vendors facing eviction one by one since last year for failing to comply with lease coinditions, and some refusing to pay rent. (See story here.)
Late last month, Phuket Governor Chockchai Dejamornthan gave a stay of execution of eviction as vendors pleaded to stay at the Food Centre. (See story here.)