BMA To Expand Selling Areas For Street Vendors

[Jai Dee]

BMA to expand selling areas for street vendors

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) will expand 677 selling areas across Bangkok for street vendors in a bid to help stimulate the capital’s economy.

Bangkok Governor M.R.Sukhumbhand Paribatra said the BMA board agreed to expand the 677 selling areas from 120 square meters to 150 square meters and allow street vendors to operate longer.

Moreover, the governor said the BMA would allow the Chatuchak Sunday Market to open on Friday for one more day in a week. The market normally operates on Saturday and Sunday.

The governor said some temporary selling areas in the Sanam Luang compound and all districts in Bangkok.

Source: National News Bureau of Thailand - 28 January 2009

[tw25rw]

But are they going to enforce any kind of health and safety regulation or will it be the same unhealthy free for all?

[phetaroi]

BMA to expand selling areas for street vendors

My initial reaction to this was both positive and negative. I like street stalls, even if I'm not buying at the time. What I don't like is that in some places they literally make the sidewalk impassable...not to mention making me feel nervous about pickpockets. Wish there was a balance! Mai pben rai!

[hhgz]

My initial response was completely negative. The sidewalks aren't wide enough to handle both vendor and foot traffic.

[UncleFrank]

Good for the BMAs economy..... They can collect more money from renting the walkways. To hel_l with the pedestrians......forced to step out onto the street with all the irresponsible drivers.

Not very safe.

Money trumps safety...just ask the people that were at Santika on New Years Eve.