The vendors requested that the store delay its opening time to reduce competition during early business hours, as they explained clearly when staging a small protest on Tuesday (Sept 10).
The meeting yesterday, chaired by Vice Governor Norasak Suksomboon, brought together representatives from various provincial offices, including the Phuket Provincial Commerce Office, Phuket Provincial Statistics Office, Mueang Phuket District and Phuket City Municipality, as well as Central Food Wholesale Co Ltd, which operates Go Wholesale, and the local vendors.
Also present was Phuket Town Mayor Saroj Angkanapilas.
Despite extensive discussions, no final agreement was reached. However, the meeting made two key recommendations:
- Go Wholesale’s representatives will present the vendors’ request to postpone the store’s opening from 6am to 10:30am to the company’s executives. A decision is expected by Sept 23.
- The Phuket Provincial Statistics Office will collect data on the vendors’ business performance before and after the store’s opening to assess the impact on local livelihoods.
The Go Wholesale representatives at the meeting expressed a willingness to cooperate, stating that they would relay the vendors’ concerns to the store’s board of directors, said an official report of the meeting.
The company also outlined plans to support the local market, including promoting OTOP products, offering 10 stalls for rotating market vendors inside the store, and using celebrities and influencers to help market their products.
The Go Wholesale representatives emphasised the commitment of the company, Central Food Wholesale Co Ltd, to working with the local community, with plans to develop the market “into a clean, modern space that attracts both tourists and locals”.
The company aims to be a long-term partner in the community’s growth and success, the representatives said.
Further discussions are expected as both sides work toward a mutually beneficial solution, concluded the official report of the meeting.