BANGKOK, Thailand – Deputy Governor Jakkaphan, along with Deputy Permanent Secretary Supakit, visited Soi Ari 1 in Phaya Thai District to monitor street vendor regulations in line with Governor Chadchart’s policy on October 5. Accompanied by the Director of the Department of Public Works and district officials, the team addressed public complaints regarding street vendors encroaching on sidewalks.
The issue, which was reported through the Traffy Fondue app, raised concerns about pedestrians being forced to walk on the street, creating safety hazards and contributing to traffic congestion.
Deputy Governor Jakkaphan found that most vendors in Soi Ari 1 sell ready-to-eat food, dry goods, snacks, beverages, clothing, and miscellaneous items, with stalls set up in front of buildings on both sides of the street. However, Soi Ari 1 is not a designated trading area. The nearby Soi Phahonyothin 7, on the left side, is a permitted zone for street vending. Officials have been instructed to ensure that vendors in Soi Ari 1 do not encroach on the sidewalk, maintaining public order in the area.
Deputy Governor Jakkaphan reiterated the importance of adhering to the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration’s (BMA) 2024 guidelines for trading in public spaces. Under these guidelines, specific areas with unique characteristics—such as community markets or tourism promotion zones—may be designated for street vending. The Department of Public Works and district offices will review such areas and establish consistent regulations, ensuring that all vendors comply with the new rules by December 31, 2024.
After this deadline, officials will conduct evaluations from January 1 to March 31, 2025, to determine whether certain areas can be designated as permissible trading zones or should have street vending revoked. A final decision on these areas will be announced between April and June 2025, with any changes taking effect on July 1, 2025.
“Organizing street vending is a crucial task that requires continuous and serious attention. Public works officers must fully understand and precisely implement the 16 provisions of the 2024 regulations. The goal is to ensure vendors comply strictly with the rules. If they meet the requirements, they will be allowed to continue operating in designated areas. However, failure to comply will result in the revocation of their trading privileges,” Deputy Governor Jakkaphan emphasized in closing.
