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Published on October 24, 2007

At a meeting yesterday between Thalang district chief Chaivat Tapee and representatives from Cherng Talay municipality, the newly elected Cherng Talay Tambon Administration Organisation (Or Bor Tor) and a group of residents resulted in little progress as it remains unclear under whose jurisdiction the area falls.

"I have examined the maps that define official boundary lines and I am not sure who is responsible for this area. I will now present this matter to Phuket Governor Niran Kalayanamit, to decide if Cherng Talay municipality or Cherng Talay Or Bor Tor must deal with the problem," said Chaivat.

Bang Tao resident Samarn Krohlek led the contingent of locals to Thalang District Administration Office to protest against the construction.

Unhappy residents say the Tesco Express shop, the first of its kind on the island, will take business away from local shopkeepers. Its construction is in direct violation of a stoppage order issued by the former Cherng Talay Tambon Administration Organisation, they allege.

"I am pleased that both the Or Bor Tor and Cherng Talay municipality were represented here today to discuss this matter. The problem we face is finding who is authorised to force them to cease construction," he added.

The same group on September 13 protested on Srisoonthorn Road, near the project site, with signs reading "Tesco is foreign-owned", "No Tesco" and "Cherng Talay people don't want Tesco". At that time they also distributed copies of the work-stoppage order issued on July 27 and signed by Samart Sagae, then-president of Cherng Talay Tambon Administration Organisation.

In response to the most recent protest, Martin Clutterbuck of the Tesco Lotus Corporate Affairs Department told the Gazette: "If Tesco has permission to build the new store, then the construction is legal."

 Phuket Gazette

THALANG, PHUKET