Joined by members of the ’Kon Noom Team’, the vendors submitted the formal request to Monchai Sae-Lao, Director of the Provincial Ombudsman’s Centre (Damrongdharma Centre).
Mr Monchai received the letter on behalf of the Phuket Governor and assured the group that the issues would be taken into consideration.
The vendors are urging authorities to negotiate with the operators of the new Go Wholesal mall to open just down the road, literally also on Ong Sim Pai Rd, so the mall extends its operating hours from its current 6am to 10am window.
The reason for the request is to prevent overlap between the mall’s hours and those of Fresh Market 2, the vendors explained.
The vendors said they fear that simultaneous opening hours will negatively impact their sales, which many rely on to support their families. They believe that adjusting the hours would alleviate some of this financial pressure.
In addition, the group is requesting that Phuket City Municipality waive parking fees in the Fresh Market 2 area. The vendors believe this measure would make it easier for customers to shop at the fresh market, ultimately boosting business for local vendors.
Mr Monchai told the vendors that the Phuket Provincial Office would review the concerns and seek to engage the relevant parties, including representatives from the new Go Wholesale mall, Phuket City Municipality and the vendors at Fresh Market 2 themselves, to find a solution.