Bangkok district authorities ordered the closure of all illegal markets within seven days - and prohibited raw foods at the remaining licensed markets - at the Seri Villa housing estate in Prawet district, where enraged residents attacked a truck blocking their driveway with an axe on Sunday.
Prawet district chief Thanasit Metpanmuang on Thursday summoned operators of all five markets at Seri Villa on Thursday to convey the order.
The move came after a disturbance on Sunday, when two middle-aged sisters were unable to drive out of their home because a pickup truck had parked in front of their driveway. Mobile phone footage captured the women honking their horn and then striking the offending vehicle with an axe and a steel rod.
Footage of the incident quickly went viral, and led many to question whether Prawet district concerned had properly enforced rules concerning the market and the residential neighbourhood.
After Thursday's meeting, Mr Thanasit reported several violations. He said the Suan Luang 1 market had a licence for the building itself, but not the market. The Ple market had a licence for a commercial building but fresh foods were not permitted there.
The Ying Nara market had a licence for a commercial building and the sale of permitted products, but it had not provided a parking area for 14 vehicles as required. Rungwanit and Rom Lueang markets had neither building nor market licences.
Vendors were given seven days - until the end of the month - to sell their remaining stock. The three illegally operated markets - Suan Luang 1, Rung Wanit and Rom Lueang - would then be closed, Mr Thanasit said.
There were about 300 vendors at the three markets, Mr Thanasit added, and they would find new locations by themselves. The vendors turned down the district office's proposal to find a new market area for them, he said.
The two other markets can continue to operate if they prove by Feb 28 that they are in compliance with regulations and causing no environmental problems, the Prawet district chief said.
The Ple market can remain open, but sell only commercial products like stationery, clothes and noodles. Fresh foods were prohibited, he said. The Ying Nara market could also continue operating if it provides a parking area for 14 vehicles.
Mr Thanasit declined to answer reporters' questions about whether he had previously been aware of the rules violations at the markets in Seri Villa, adjacent to the Rama IX public park.
He said that if a court decides to ban markets in Seri Villa, all must be demolished.
Vendors and visitors to the park said the markets were an integral part of the lifestyles of both local people and park visitors, and provided places to rest and socialise after morning exercises in the park.
Some vendors alleged that the truck-smashing incident last Sunday was set up in a bid to close the markets.