Iconic Bangkok market faces bulldozers

Famous Bangkok market Saphan Lek is to be destroyed by order of the city’s Metropolitan Administration.

According to reports, stallholders have just 15 days to pack up and vacate before authorities force their removal. It alleges the market has caused “water management issues” for the whole city.

Popular with students, locals and tourists alike for products as diverse as computer games, imported toys and fresh foods, the market is one of a string closed down in recent years as city officials try to “clean up” the town’s waterways and streets.

Authorities have told traders from Saphan Lek and another recently closed market Khlong Thom – that they can relocate to other locations at SC Plaza Mall near the Southern Bus Station and Chulalongkorn University. But traders are unenthused – and shoppers, especially students – say other locations are too far away to travel to.

“The canal is part of Bangkok’s water system. It is 20 metres wide and two kilometres long. It connects to all the other canals on the system,” Pol Maj-Gen Wichai Sangprapai, an adviser to the Bangkok Governor said, defending the decision. “These people have built into the canal with metal and concrete, which obstructs the flow of water.”

Described in some media as “an Aladdin’s Cave’” of electronics and games well know among regional tourists, the 50 year old market is located in the heart of ‘old city’ Bangkok.

It’s name, which translates to “metal bridge” refers to its construction over a canal.