As control of Chatuchak Weekend Market changes hands from the Bangkok Metropolitan Authority (BMA) to the State Railway of Thailand (SRT), some vendors have reportedly complained of mafia gangs connected with SRT politicians extorting cash for protection.
Deputy Transport Minister Chatt Kuldiloke denied all allegations though, but said that he would investigate whether any of his subordinates were behaving inappropriately and fire them if so, according to the Nation.
The BMA had been leasing the market for decades from the SRT, which owns the land.
The lease ended on Monday and the SRT took control. Hundreds of police officers will be on hand at the market over the next few weekends to ensure a smooth transition.
Chatt told the Bangkok Post that vendors were confused and had mistaken his subordinates for mafia. “I am very concerned that someone might use my name to seek benefit. We have worked together smoothly,” he said. He added that, although the SRT had set a goal of THB420 million in revenues per year from Chatuchak, they would raise rents gradually on vendors to spare hardship.
Chatt also said that the SRT was planning on cleaning up Chatuchak and improving its orderliness, as well as fix up roads and designate space for disabled vendors.
Pol Maj Gen Methee Kusolsrang, acting deputy chief of the Metropolitan Police Bureau, said that he had not received any complaints about mafia at Chatuchak, the Post reported.
