The State Railway Workers’ Union of Thailand is now pushing for the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) to settle a hefty debt of 672 million baht. This debt stems from overdue lease fees at Chatuchak Market dating back from 2018 to 2022. Sarawut Saranwong, who chairs the union, shared these details with the media yesterday. He mentioned that the union filed a petition with Bangkok’s governor, Chadchart Sittipunt, last Thursday regarding the unpaid dues for using the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) land for the bustling Chatuchak Market.
Mr. Sarawut elaborated that the union is acting on this issue following a 2018 cabinet resolution. According to this resolution, the BMA could continue to manage Chatuchak Market until 2028. However, it required the BMA to pay the SRT around 169 million baht annually in leasing fees. Moreover, it stipulated that the lease terms be reviewed every three years. A crucial part of this agreement was the signing of a formal contract, which the BMA has refused to do, citing the need for further discussions, Mr. Sarawut said.
Adding to the complexity, Mr. Sarawut noted that the SRT had already sent a draft contract to the Office of the Attorney General for review. Yet, the BMA still has not signed it, leading the SRT to file a civil lawsuit. Fast forward to June 2022, and the Civil Court ruled that the BMA owes overdue land use fees from Dec 1, 2018, to June 27, 2022, amounting to about 672 million baht. According to the ruling, these payments are to be made monthly, with instalments of approximately 14 million baht starting from July 1, 2022, until the contract is signed. Mr. Sarawut is, therefore, calling on the BMA to make these payments and withdraw its appeal against the court’s decision.
“If we can’t resolve this, the SRT might have to reclaim the land and handle its management on its own,” Mr. Sarawut warned.
Meanwhile, Torsak Chotimongkol, the chief adviser to the Bangkok governor, has indicated that the BMA is open to negotiation. The BMA has already submitted proposals such as debt restructuring and reduced rental fees to arrive at a solution. However, he emphasized that it will depend on how the SRT responds to these offers. Despite the push for negotiations, he confirmed that the BMA would not withdraw its appeal but would adhere to the legal process.
The standoff over the lease payments is a high-stakes drama that could significantly impact the future of Chatuchak Market, one of Bangkok’s most iconic landmarks. The coming weeks will undoubtedly be pivotal in resolving this long-standing issue. Will the BMA cave and pay up, or will the SRT take back the reins? Only time will tell. Stay tuned as this fiscal tug-of-war unfolds!
Why is it so hard for the BMA to just pay their dues? They’ve had years to figure this out.
It’s not that simple. The BMA has been raising legitimate questions about the lease terms. They need to protect their budget.
If the lease terms were problematic, why didn’t they address this issue earlier? It’s been years.
Exactly, Aliyah. The BMA had a contract and they should respect it. They’re playing games with public land.
Chatuchak Market is vital for local businesses. If the SRT takes over, who knows what will happen?
I think the SRT managing it could be an improvement. The market’s been poorly managed for years.
Improvement? Really? Do you have any idea how many vendors could be pushed out due to new regulations?
Vendors might face temporary problems but the long-term could bring better infrastructure and management.
I agree with Sara. Change is always uncomfortable, but it can be for the better.
Can someone explain why this hasn’t already been mediated in court? Seems like both sides are wasting taxpayer money.
Actually, it was ruled on by the Civil Court, but the BMA appealed. The legal process takes time.
Thanks for the info, but that still sounds like bureaucracy dragging its feet as usual.
As a vendor in Chatuchak, I just want this settled. We are caught in the middle of this mess.
I’m so sorry you’re dealing with this. Have there been any disruptions for your business?
Yes, absolutely. The uncertainty is driving away customers and potential new vendors.
Why didn’t the BMA just sign the formal contract in the first place? It’s obvious they messed up.
While I understand the BMA’s point about needing further discussions, the debt has to be paid. They’re just delaying the inevitable.
Exactly. It’s just a stall tactic. The BMA needs to own up to their responsibilities.
Debt restructuring isn’t a bad idea if both sides agree. But the BMA should still start paying what they owe.
The SRT is within its rights to reclaim the land if the BMA keeps stalling. That’s what happens when you don’t pay your rent!
Sure, but evicting a major market like Chatuchak isn’t the same as evicting a tenant. The impact would be massive.
Chatuchak Market is part of Bangkok’s cultural heritage. Both sides should prioritize preserving it over financial squabbles.
Public land management should remain with public entities like the BMA. The SRT managing Chatuchak could lead to privatization.
The SRT is also a public entity, Mike. Your argument doesn’t hold.
Why is the BMA dragging their feet on this? It’s pretty straightforward. Pay up or lose the market.
They’re likely hoping for a more favorable deal, but it’s a risky game they’re playing with such a beloved market.
Chatuchak Market brings in tourism revenue. The BMA and SRT should think about that before making any drastic changes.
I just hope this gets resolved soon. Chatuchak is one of my favorite places to visit when I’m in Bangkok.
The BMA should have seen this coming. You can’t ignore a debt like that without facing consequences.
If the SRT takes over, they might jack up the prices for vendors and visitors. Everyone loses.
Or, they might finally improve facilities which have been in dire need of an upgrade. It could be a win-win.
Focusing on lease fees without considering the economic impact on local businesses and tourism is shortsighted.