Some of the vendors’ leases on their stalls have expired and Patong Municipality will not renew them, explained Suriya Sinsoke at a meeting at Phuket Provincial Hall yesterday.
More vendors fear the same – that their leases will not be renewed, and they will lose their sole source of income.
“More than 100 people will lose their jobs. We come here to ask the Patong Mayor to reconsider the plan (to evict the vendors),” Ms Suryia said.
“After our leases expire and are not renewed, all that will happen to the centre is that it will become a municipal building.
“Please be careful and think about the people affected by this. The centre well known among tourists, and can serve as an attraction in itself,” she added.
Phuket Provincial Chief Administrative Officer (Palad) Thawornwat Khongkaew said he would request Patong Municipality to reconsider the plan to evict the food vendors.
“This area belongs to Patong Municipality, and is their responsibility, but I will ask them to reconsider their plan, and I will pass this case on to the Damrongdhama Centre (Ombudsman’s Office),” he said.
“This issue will also be raised at the next meeting of the Phuket Provincial Committee,” he assured.