Vendors at Pak Khlong Talat flower market have thrown in the towel after City Hall stood its ground on reclaiming vending space.
Pirom Chitakorn, who represents the vendors, held talks with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) Monday.
He asked the BMA to consider the vendors' request to continue trading on the pavement for another three to six months.
But the BMA insisted on taking back the space at Pak Khlong Talat from traders. City Hall has begun repairing the damaged footpaths.
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Mr Pirom said he will try to convince the vendors not to put up resistance after some of them dumped flowers near the Memorial Bridge over the weekend in protest at the BMA's decision.
"We will abide by the law. We don't want to cause trouble," Mr Pirom said, admitting some vendors who choose not to relocate to an alternative site offered by City Hall will have to find a new job.
Meanwhile, Somchai Tripittayakul, head of Phra Nakhon district, said most vendors have moved on to other markets to sell their wares.
A year ago (above), the main Bangkok flower market (Pak Khlong Talat) was a riot of colour and festivity. As of Monday (below), City Hall has moved in, evicted vendors, and is making it 'neat'. (Photo above by M2F, below by Apichart Jinakul)
