BANGKOK, 11 July 2014 – Bangkok authorities are set to clampdown on street vendors in front of Chatuchak Market and those along Ratchadamnoen Road after informing them they will not be allowed to occupy their existing space by July 31st.
Chief advisor to the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) Wallop Suwandi said that under the move, all vendors would be prohibited to set up their stands on pavements in front of the Government House to the front of Wat Phra Kaeo, or the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. The measure will enable pedestrians to move around easier and reduce traffic congestion within the area.
Nonetheless, the BMA has designated two substitute locations for the vendors, one of which is in front of the Bon Marche Market, also in Chatuchak District. The other space is in front of the Ratburana District Office.
The vendors may at the initial stage, relocate their stands to Kamphaengphet Road just behind the police station or other footpath areas in order to prevent them from obstructing the traffic and crowding the sidewalks leading to a nearby BTS station.
The move is part of the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO)’s policy to regulate public transportation services and street vendors across Thailand.
