The news was publicly announced through a notice issued by market organiser, Plern Pao Co Ltd, yesterday (Sept 1).
The market, located near Surin Circle (the ‘clocktower roundabout’), opened with much fanfare on July 5, with Phuket MP Thitikan Thitiphrutikul and Rewat Areerob, President of the Phuket Provincial Administrative Organisation (PPAO), along with local officials and community leaders present to commemorate the occasion.
The new night market, which was open daily from 4pm to 10pm except Sundays, was described at its launch as a collaborative effort between the PPAO and Phuket City Municipality.
The notice issued by Plern Pao Co Ltd expressed its gratitude to vendors, business operators and customers “for their support and for helping create a warm community atmosphere”, while apologising for any inconvenience caused by the closure.
New projects are in development, with further details to be revealed in due course, Plern Pao Co Ltd said in its statement.
As part of the shutdown process, Business owners must bring original rental documents to the market office before close of business this Friday (Sept 5) to process refunds.
Deposits will be transferred back by Oct 1. Requests submitted outside the deadline will not be eligible, Plern Pao Co Ltd stipulated.
Vendors were given until this Sunday (Sept 7) to remove their stalls and belongings. “The company will not be liable for any property lost during the process or left behind after the deadline,” Plern Pao Co Ltd warned.
Document collection and demolition will be handled daily from 10am to 5pm during the relevant periods, the company explained.
Winyu Kamnakitthana, Executive Director of market organiser Plern Pao Co Ltd gave no clear explanation for the market shutdown.
“I would like to express my gratitude to the business owners and customers and apologise for any inconvenience caused,” he told The Phuket News, adding that the reason for the closure was “to allow the company to proceed with a new project”.
He declined to provide further details. “If there is any further information, I will inform you,” he said.
PPAO President Rewat Areerob, who is regularly involved in the opening of markets and festivals, declined to have any knowledge of or role in the shutdown.
“It was [run by] a private company… I was there just to open the event,” he said.
The market was built with an investment of nearly B30 million, noted initial reports at its launch.
Covering more than 15 rai of land, it featured 256 stalls, restaurants, a live music zone, creative activity areas and parking facilities, and operated
The market was touted as a new nighttime landmark for Phuket, boosting tourism, providing jobs and serving as a cultural hub for locals and visitors alike.