Debate over ‘Go Wholesale’ shopping centre heats up
A HEATED MEETING took place at the offices of Phuket City Municipality last week as relevant government agencies, stakeholders and representatives gathered to address complaints regarding the construction of the ‘Go Wholesale’ shopping centre in Phuket Town.
Capt Nopporn Meesawat, Deputy Director of Internal Security for Phuket Province, chaired the session Jan 25, alongside the director of the Phuket Damrongtham Center (Phuket Provincial Ombudsman’s Office).
The central focus of the meeting was on resolving concerns raised by a group of vendors at Phuket City Municipality Fresh Market 2 on Ong Sim Phai Rd, who fear the impact of the Go Wholesale shopping centre on their incomes.
The group of fresh produce vendors presented a list of issues, as follows:
• Fear of heightened competition with existing small stores in the vicinity.
• Economic hardship resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to reduced income and increased debts.
• Anticipation of increased traffic congestion in the area if the shopping centre is constructed.
• Apprehension that the shopping centre will lure customers away with lower prices, better services, promotions and convenience.
The vendors proposed for the developer of the Go Wholesale shoppnig centre to consider alternative locations outside urban communities.
In response, representatives of Go Wholesale emphasised the shopping centre’s potential to boost the economy and tourism industry by creating jobs, paying taxes and stimulating the local economy.
Construction of the shopping centre is expected to create about 200 jobs and generate a total income of around B103 million a year.
The developers are committed to paying approximately B20mn a year in taxes, including sign tax, property tax and local maintenance tax.
Construction and completion of the shopping centre alone is expected to cost B400mn.
However, the shopping centre operator will buy products directly from local farmers, and target customers such as hotels and large restaurants who buy in bulk.
Officials at the meeting noted that construction of the shopping centre and the issuing of permits for construction to proceed did not require a public meeting, but suggested that the developer address the concerns raised and for its executives to understand the plight faced by the vendors.
Representatives from the Phuket Chamber of Commerce and Phuket branch of the Federation of Thai Industries highlighted the fundamental differences between modern trade and agricultural markets, advocating that modern trade should be located outside urban communities.
he Phuket News