NAKHON PHANOM: Disgruntled vendors gathered outside historical Wat Phra That Phanom in Nakhon Phanom on Wednesday in protest against their eviction from the grounds to pave the way for registration of the temple as a Unesco World Heritage site.
About 100 vendors converged on the area in front of Wat Phra That Phanom Voramahaviharn, widely known as Wat Phra That Phanom, in That Phanom district to air their grievance.
They were led by Duansuda Phumee, 46, and Veerayut Wongwai, 35.
Last month, the temple ordered vendors of food and goods in and around the temple grounds to move out, citing the need to regulate and tidy up the place to meet requirements for its proposed registration as a World Heritage site.
The vendors, most from communities near the temple, said they had sold flowers and other goods, and food, in the temple grounds and on the footpath out front for many years.
The eviction order deprived them of the income needed to feed their families. The temple had closed its entrance gate, ensuring they could not continue selling inside. They called on state agencies to look into their plight.
The demonstration attracted the presence of Supoj Phiewdam, assistant district chief, and representatives from the military, police and local officials. They defended the temple’s right to regulate and beautify the property. (continues below)
Vendors point out the sign on the gate at Wat Phra That Phanom in Nakhon Phanom province banning them from entering to set up their stalls. (Photo by Pattanapong Sripiachai)
Protest leader Ms Duangsuda said she and other vendors earned their living honestly by selling food, souvenirs and local products to support their families. The temple did not take their needs into consideration, she said.
Most local people understood the temple’s intention to improve the landscape in anticipation of an increase in visitors once it is registered as a World Heritage site, she said.
Vendors wanted the temple and relevant agencies to find a new site where they could peddle their wares. It was not right to evict them without providing another site they could use.
The assistant district chief said the temple grounds could not be used for vending. The stalls would obstruct traffic inside the temple. Permanent stalls were not allowed.
He said the temple and district authorities would allocate them a vending zone.
The protesters later ended their gathering, even though they were not satisfied with the assistant district chief’s explanation.
Local residents and their children hold placards protesting against their eviction by the temple. (Photo by Pattanapong Sripiachai)
Vendors gather in front of the gate of Wat Phra That Phanom. They have been banned from selling inside the grounds. (Photo by Pattanapong Sripiachai)