BMA tipped to appeal ‘axe’ case

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is considering appealing the Central Administrative Court’s ruling that ordered it to pay compensation to three residents in Seri Villa Housing Estate whose house was surrounded by five markets.

Bangkok Governor Aswin Kwanmuang said yesterday a committee set up to study the May 16 ruling by the court now recommends City Hall launch an appeal.

The ruling ordered the dismantling of all five markets in the Seri Villa Housing Estate and mandated that compensation payments be made to the plaintiffs — who have since garnered the nickname the “axe aunts”.

The committee pointed out that City Hall may challenge three parts of the ruling which it found to be “debatable”, Pol Gen Aswin said.

First, it insisted the Public Works Department of the BMA had conformed to relevant laws and regulations in deciding to grant licences to those markets, he said.

Second, it found the Prawet District Office had not ignored problems associated with the markets.

Rather, it declared, the office had maintained its duty by pursuing lawsuits against the wrongdoers twice and the Phra Khanong Provincial Court had imposed fines on the wrongdoers.

Third, the committee found that since the BMA has followed the law it should not be held liable for compensation to the plaintiffs on the grounds that it violated their rights, he said.

The committee deemed it unfair to hold the BMA fully liable for compensation as there were other parties involved, he added.

These included shoppers and market owners, who should share the liability, he said.