Saraburi Mediation Resolves Vendor Dispute Over Market Space
Municipal officials in Saraburi resolved a dispute between a juice vendor and a motorcycle taxi lot after a fence illegally blocked the vendor's market access; both parties agreed to remove the obstruction and work together on a permanent s
A confrontation between municipal staff and a juice vendor at Saraburi Hospital escalated into a public dispute over the use of shared space. The vendor claimed she had no choice but to relocate beyond the municipal boundary because the motorcycle taxi lot had built a fence around her original spot, while the taxi lot cited its right to control the area. The vendor also alleged she had been charged daily rental fees and that the taxi lot had invested over 40,000 baht in steel structures.
On July 24, 2026, Municipal Mayor Dr. Phanu Phong Thipyasewat and District Officer Chinnaachar Rosiaksakdi inspected the site and found the iron fence was indeed blocking access. After discussions with the taxi lot manager, who explained the fence was meant to prevent evening encroachment, the mayor ordered its immediate removal and facilitated negotiations between both parties.
The vendor requested only the removal of a concrete foundation and some plywood panels to allow her cart access, offering to cover the demolition costs herself. The taxi lot agreed, and workers immediately dismantled the fence and requested structures. The mayor emphasized that blocking public space was incorrect and that the dispute stemmed from mutual misunderstanding rather than any municipal involvement. He noted the municipality had initially discouraged vendors in the area but granted temporary permission out of concern for the vendor's livelihood while seeking an alternative location. The site was originally a bus station shelter but no longer serves that purpose.
