'If you don't buy something, don't touch it': Chatuchak vendor yells at customer, loses lease

A Thai vendor at Chatuchak market has lost their lease after a confrontation with a customer went viral on social media, reported Bangkok Post.

The incident occurred in Bangkok at Chatuchak's Red Building, Tuek Daeng Wintage, which sells antique and vintage items. 

A video posted on Nov. 16 by one Wararat Puii Chaiyaprom shows the squabble between her and a vendor.

'No touch policy'

Chaiyaprom recounted that she was walking around the night market with her family before a metal box at a nearby stall caught her eye.

She picked it up and showed it to her son, asking him if it was cute.

Instead Chaiyaprom was met with shouting from the store vendor who yelled, "You would be smarter if you asked [to see it] first".

The vendor continued about her "no touch" store policy.

"If you don't buy something, don't touch it. There's a no touching sign right there, can't you see?"

Chaiyaprom stated that she had apologised despite only seeing a "thank you" sign in English, and not one that discouraged customers from touching the items, reported Bangkok Post.

The vendor was also apparently told Chaiyaprom that "if you have no money, don't come here and touch things".

The vendor also allegedly complained to other sellers in the vicinity abt Chaiyaprom, criticising her for not closing the metal box after opening it.

Chaiyaprom later confronted the vendor, who claimed she was joking and apologised.

However, Chaiyaprom felt that her remarks were more than just quips or teasing.

At the time of writing, the video has racked up 8.3 million views and over 7,500 comments.

Tenancy terminated in a mutual agreement

A formal discussion was subsequently held between the market and the vendor, resulting in a mutually-agreed termination of the store's lease with immediate effect.

The official statement from the market posted on Nov. 18, elaborated on the decision.

"This decision reflects Tuek Daeng Wintage's commitment to maintaining a safe, respectful and positive environment for all visitors and for tenants who consistently uphold our standards."

The market also apologised for the incident, stating that the property wishes to ensure "that all feel welcome and confident".

Top photo from Wararat Puii Chaiyaprom/Facebook and Weerachai Chunhasuwan/Google Maps