Bangkok Governor Chatchatchai Pushes to Settle 1.3 Billion Baht Chatuchak Market Debt, Prepares to Return Land to State Railway as Soft Power Initiative
Bangkok's governor confirmed the city will pay 1.3 billion baht in overdue Chatuchak Market rental fees to the State Railway while negotiating interest exemptions from the COVID-19 period. The city plans to return market management to the r
Bangkok Governor Chatchatchai Sittipanthung has reaffirmed the city's commitment to settling its debt obligations, stating that "if there is debt, it must be paid." He confirmed that while Bangkok has sufficient budget to cover the 1.3 billion baht owed to the State Railway of Thailand for unpaid Chatuchak Market rental fees, the city is currently pursuing an appeal to clarify the exact figures and request an exemption on interest charges accrued during the COVID-19 crisis period.
The debt consists of 605.7 million baht in principal rental costs spanning 3 years, 6 months, and 27 days, along with accumulated interest and monthly loss-of-use charges totaling 564.7 million baht through October 2025. Bangkok plans to return management of the Chatuchak Market to the State Railway, acknowledging the city lacks market management expertise. The administration aims for the railway or government to develop the area into a "Soft Power Gateway" to boost future tourism benefits.
Early this year, Bangkok's management team conducted field inspections to accelerate debt collection from vendors and improve financial efficiency within the market, preparing the groundwork for legal resolution and determining whether to return management or establish new contractual arrangements with the State Railway.
