Bangkok City Police Will Try To Avoid Arresting Or Imposing Fines On Street Vendors

[Johnnie99]

I am not one to complain but how is this news? Did they ever fine them? I thought they just took their cut and went happily away, only more so towards the end of the month.

[bra]

I truly like the concept of street vendors as it is what makes the old Asia character (plus it's convenient). I esp like food street vendors. However, if only the Thais had any foresight and planning, then the walkways would be far larger (like in Cambodia, Vietnam, etc) and everyone would be just fine. Problem is also that there is already little space, and Thais have a natural propensity of constrict space as much as possible. They can't stand an open space and must put something there.

It isn't only the street vendors but the stores and homes along the Sois and even some of the larger streets build out onto the sidewalk as if it is theirs. I can't speak for everywhere but would assume it is probably the similar laws in most places such as in the the US in terms of the area in front of your shop or home (sidewalk or just adjacent to the street) is often yours but that really means you are simply responsible for maintaining it but you can't build on it or obstruct it. When you walk down some of the sois that don't have sidewalks take a closer look and you can see the area where there should be a sidewalk but people have built walls or even extended their shop or home. The line is often easy to see because it is different construction and there will always be a couple property owners who didn't build out and you get a very short distance for walking. Now add some street vendors and it is not only a nightmare for walking but also driving on the small sois. I think my biggest complaint of Bangkok and most of Thailand is the lack of concern for pedestrian traffic. Not only does the government not enforce keeping sidewalks clear but they often are big offenders of using up side walk space. The vendors themselves don't bother me and I think it would be sad to see them go but then again in places like Sukumvit they could limit vendors to one side of a particular sidewalk and not have bottlenecks of pedestrians where there is only one walking lane with vendors on each side of you.

I agree just have the stalls on one side only would be a big help. The sidewalks/footpaths in Soi Nana at night are now almost impossible to use, and the entrance to Nana plaza is blocked by someone with a big stall selling food. If there is ever a fire inside the plaza it would be a disaster for everyone trying to evacuate - I presume there is only one way in or out. I would not go in there now.

[FarangTalk]

A great laugh for the morning. To the best of my knowledge, every street vendor pays off the police to operate. It would be a bit unseemly for the police to collect money from a vendor one day, and then give them the boot the next day. There must be some sort of compromise available. I sort of like street vendors, but it is damned annoying to have to walk in the street because the sidewalk is jammed with vendors...

That is actually a myth. The only ones that need to pay off the police are the ones doing something illegal. They pay a license fee that allow them to operate in a certain area.

It's not a myth. In fact many stalls are erected illegally and have to pay the Police. My ex had a stall selling womens' clothing on Sukhumvit near Soi Nana and all the vendors paid money to the Police to operate on their patch.

There's no 'license fee', it's a bribe or tea money so the Police turn a blind eye. The Police also act as 'protection' in case something happens. Much like a organised crime racket back home.

[Markaew]

I truly like the concept of street vendors as it is what makes the old Asia character (plus it's convenient). I esp like food street vendors. However, if only the Thais had any foresight and planning, then the walkways would be far larger (like in Cambodia, Vietnam, etc) and everyone would be just fine. Problem is also that there is already little space, and Thais have a natural propensity of constrict space as much as possible. They can't stand an open space and must put something there.

It isn't only the street vendors but the stores and homes along the Sois and even some of the larger streets build out onto the sidewalk as if it is theirs. I can't speak for everywhere but would assume it is probably the similar laws in most places such as in the the US in terms of the area in front of your shop or home (sidewalk or just adjacent to the street) is often yours but that really means you are simply responsible for maintaining it but you can't build on it or obstruct it. When you walk down some of the sois that don't have sidewalks take a closer look and you can see the area where there should be a sidewalk but people have built walls or even extended their shop or home. The line is often easy to see because it is different construction and there will always be a couple property owners who didn't build out and you get a very short distance for walking. Now add some street vendors and it is not only a nightmare for walking but also driving on the small sois. I think my biggest complaint of Bangkok and most of Thailand is the lack of concern for pedestrian traffic. Not only does the government not enforce keeping sidewalks clear but they often are big offenders of using up side walk space. The vendors themselves don't bother me and I think it would be sad to see them go but then again in places like Sukumvit they could limit vendors to one side of a particular sidewalk and not have bottlenecks of pedestrians where there is only one walking lane with vendors on each side of you.

You assume incorrectly as usual.

[drdoom6996]

Yeah, right, the BIB will just raise the charge to look away. Hooray for Corruption!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Markaew]

I truly like the concept of street vendors as it is what makes the old Asia character (plus it's convenient). I esp like food street vendors. However, if only the Thais had any foresight and planning, then the walkways would be far larger (like in Cambodia, Vietnam, etc) and everyone would be just fine. Problem is also that there is already little space, and Thais have a natural propensity of constrict space as much as possible. They can't stand an open space and must put something there.

It isn't only the street vendors but the stores and homes along the Sois and even some of the larger streets build out onto the sidewalk as if it is theirs. I can't speak for everywhere but would assume it is probably the similar laws in most places such as in the the US in terms of the area in front of your shop or home (sidewalk or just adjacent to the street) is often yours but that really means you are simply responsible for maintaining it but you can't build on it or obstruct it. When you walk down some of the sois that don't have sidewalks take a closer look and you can see the area where there should be a sidewalk but people have built walls or even extended their shop or home. The line is often easy to see because it is different construction and there will always be a couple property owners who didn't build out and you get a very short distance for walking. Now add some street vendors and it is not only a nightmare for walking but also driving on the small sois. I think my biggest complaint of Bangkok and most of Thailand is the lack of concern for pedestrian traffic. Not only does the government not enforce keeping sidewalks clear but they often are big offenders of using up side walk space. The vendors themselves don't bother me and I think it would be sad to see them go but then again in places like Sukumvit they could limit vendors to one side of a particular sidewalk and not have bottlenecks of pedestrians where there is only one walking lane with vendors on each side of you.

I agree just have the stalls on one side only would be a big help. The sidewalks/footpaths in Soi Nana at night are now almost impossible to use, and the entrance to Nana plaza is blocked by someone with a big stall selling food. If there is ever a fire inside the plaza it would be a disaster for everyone trying to evacuate - I presume there is only one way in or out. I would not go in there now.

That's a pretty drastic solution not go in there. I think you are asking too much!

[mancub]

Certainly most of the stalls on Sukhumvit ( Ploenchit-Asoke at any rate) are operating illegally due to the fact that they are quite blatantly selling fake,imitation copies of mostly Western goods .....

Rolex ,sexually explicit Dvds , Gucci bag ...Rayban sunglasses Sir ????

[mancub]

Being completely facetious here.....

The next Mega project; Move all the vendors 10m from the walkways, then move all the walkway structures ,bus stops and trees a further 7 metres away from the roads ( as recently suggested by the Road traffic accident chap ) !

Nah , I say let them be .It all adds to the mystique and character of Bangkok.It's not really a major danger to anyone and in a masochistic way it's good fun for the tourists (and gives them something to talk about back home).

Heaven forbid they turn Bangkok into the sterile Hi-so city that Singapore is !

[hellodolly]

'These green boxes will be installed at the residences of MPs, senators,

Bangkok councillors, Privy councillors and other important personalities

living in the capital and will be monitored by city police to ensure

security in and around the area.

"These boxes will also be used to receive complaints from people," Aswin said.'

I don't understand this. I understand that they are also for complaints but what's the first reason for these green boxes?

'MPs, senators, Bangkok councillors, Privy councillors'

These I understand but who are 'important personalities'?

As for 5 metres away from pedestrian walkways. Is that even possible?

I think the green boxes are ridicules all they are good for is pointng out public figures. that way the red shirt leaders will not have to pass out addressees with their phone numbers.

Besides if I want to complain against the Amnesty idea what good would my suggestion do in a green box on a city council members lawn?

[hellodolly]

On certain streets I see no problem moving the side walk venders 5 meters from the walk ways.

How ever being in the center of the road could lead to a decrease in business and more traffic deaths.

[soidog52]

I would be more than satisfied if they would clear all their gear from the #3 lane on the north side of Sukhumvit so I could drive and/or walk in that lane. There certainly must be a law about clogging up that lane with push carts, motorcycles, tuk tuks, etc...And as for comments from some members that these vendors are not paying anyone off? Hilarious. Do these members believe that they are also paying taxes?

[PaullyW]

Being completely facetious here.....

The next Mega project; Move all the vendors 10m from the walkways, then move all the walkway structures ,bus stops and trees a further 7 metres away from the roads ( as recently suggested by the Road traffic accident chap ) !

Nah , I say let them be .It all adds to the mystique and character of Bangkok.It's not really a major danger to anyone and in a masochistic way it's good fun for the tourists (and gives them something to talk about back home).

Heaven forbid they turn Bangkok into the sterile Hi-so city that Singapore is !

It doesn't have to be Singapore (which is nice but exceedingly boring). But, there is a better balance between function/safety/and character. Vietnam, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, and certain Chinese cities all spring to mind. Being Thailand doesn't mean doing everything (stupid, without thought) which is totally against modern progress and comfort, safety, is it? Is that what will define Thailand as Thai? Sad, if that's the case.

[asiasurfer]

Imposing fines?? Just another source of income for the police I guess...

[h90]

While the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) officially allows

vendors to operate in some areas, they still need to be at least 10

metres away from bus stops and at least five metres from pedestrian

walkways.

Suk soi 7 to 13

sure they are 10 meters from a bus stop and 5 from a pedestrian walkway of the other side of the street.....

[SOTIRIOS]

at least five metres from pedestrian walkways.

Pedestrian walkway: side·walk (sdwôk)

n.

A paved walkway along the side of a street.

Pedestrian Walkway

By the Bureau of Transportation Statistics.A continuous way designated for pedestrians and separated from the through lanes for motor vehicles by space or barrier. (23CFR652)

....good luck..

...or just empty talk....seeing the impossibility of it.....

(same as no alcohol during Songkran).......etc......etc......etc....

[brett2k5]

Just sad really stoping all the the things that make Thailand "Thailand " that's why people travel here cuz it's different, street vendors, market stalls is what makes the atmosphere to be here better, it's all the hustle and bustle that makes this great place

[DocN]

Just sad really stoping all the the things that make Thailand "Thailand " that's why people travel here cuz it's different, street vendors, market stalls is what makes the atmosphere to be here better, it's all the hustle and bustle that makes this great place

You mean like the open selling of child- and other porn, viagra, dildos and pirated goods, that have otherwise seen 1001 "crackdowns"?

[gunnyd]

Just sad really stoping all the the things that make Thailand "Thailand " that's why people travel here cuz it's different, street vendors, market stalls is what makes the atmosphere to be here better, it's all the hustle and bustle that makes this great place

Have a passport with one stamp in it? From where Europe ends to Oceania (The Philippines, and various other island nations) you find thousands of shopkeepers selling the same crap. The only way to escape it is to go to one of "The Mall" owned shopping centres. You make it too wide you'll likely end up with motorcycle taxis cutting through. 10 meters? (30 Feet) the soi I live off when in LOS isn't even ten meters wide let alone are the venders gonna give 10 meters right of way, just look at the picture. Does that look like 10 meters? I doubt it is even 10 feet wide. And no this really isn't news. The Boston terrorists getting caught/killed is real news,

[mrmazinkle]

'These green boxes will be installed at the residences of MPs, senators,

Bangkok councillors, Privy councillors and other important personalities

living in the capital and will be monitored by city police to ensure

security in and around the area.

"These boxes will also be used to receive complaints from people," Aswin said.'

I don't understand this. I understand that they are also for complaints but what's the first reason for these green boxes?

'MPs, senators, Bangkok councillors, Privy councillors'

These I understand but who are 'important personalities'?

As for 5 metres away from pedestrian walkways. Is that even possible?

I think the green boxes are ridicules all they are good for is pointng out public figures. that way the red shirt leaders will not have to pass out addressees with their phone numbers.

Besides if I want to complain against the Amnesty idea what good would my suggestion do in a green box on a city council members lawn?

the green boxes will not only increase security,but,increase exports,bring more tourists,and solve all the political problems in Thailand.IMO

[KhunMoo]

A great laugh for the morning. To the best of my knowledge, every street vendor pays off the police to operate. It would be a bit unseemly for the police to collect money from a vendor one day, and then give them the boot the next day. There must be some sort of compromise available. I sort of like street vendors, but it is damned annoying to have to walk in the street because the sidewalk is jammed with vendors...

That is actually a myth. The only ones that need to pay off the police are the ones doing something illegal. They pay a license fee that allow them to operate in a certain area.

You need to get out on the town more....

I know MANY street vendors and none of them pay the police because they are all legal .. which doesn't take much. However it does cost more to get a license to sell in areas like Sukhumvit but the only people they need to pay is the government for the license to be there ... that and often an agreement with the store they me be in front of but there is no reason to pay the police off if they are not doing anything wrong. But you are welcome to believe what you want.

The vendors in, for example Sukhumvit soi 11 - those crappy, loud, ugly and annoying bar mini-busses, that clock up the soi entirely. So that a soi, where 3 cars could actually pass each other - only one or sometimes no lane is available. (It gets worse every day, I drive there at night, at least once or twice a week at 2/3am)

They pay from 30k baht a month and UP! Directly to the cops. (Info from a previously owner, could be more now...as the Soi is getting busier every day)

As much as i dislike the "Thai bashers" in this forum, i once again find you posts to be a bit naive ...there might be some street vendors that do not pay our beloved friends in the RTP - but in tourist area's they most certainly do pay, and the business open at night, pay more than most people think...

[PoodMaiDai]

Another day in la-la land.

Tomorrow Chalerm will show off his newly acquired magical unicorn. Well, you won't actually see it, but he'll tell you about it and how he plans on fixing the country with it.

[Sayonarax]

We talking about boxes or vendors?

[surangw]

what it will turn into is just go after the ones that can pay a "fine" on the spot and continue with their business

[maidu]

How 7-11 let these scabby vendors block their entrances is also a mystery.

Sometimes you have to step over dogs just to get in and in doing so fear getting bitten.

I often find myself walking on the streets as its easier to get where I am going to, instead of having to be funnelled into a narrow walkthrough between vendors...

Pardon me if I gloat a bit - but I reside at rural property near a town with no such problems. The closest vendor problems, similar to those mentioned in the OP, are a 3.5 hour drive away - at Chiang Mai. .....and sometimes I feel I'm too close to C.Mai.

[maidu]

Another day in la-la land.

Tomorrow Chalerm will show off his newly acquired magical unicorn. Well, you won't actually see it, but he'll tell you about it and how he plans on fixing the country with it.

I'm eagerly waiting for Chalerm's next announcement - that he knows who the mafia bosses are, but he won't tell anyone their names - except maybe the first letter of their names, and only if you ask him while bent over in humble submission. It rhymes with, but in no way is related to 'nocturnal emission.'

[hellodolly]

'These green boxes will be installed at the residences of MPs, senators,

Bangkok councillors, Privy councillors and other important personalities

living in the capital and will be monitored by city police to ensure

security in and around the area.

"These boxes will also be used to receive complaints from people," Aswin said.'

I don't understand this. I understand that they are also for complaints but what's the first reason for these green boxes?

'MPs, senators, Bangkok councillors, Privy councillors'

These I understand but who are 'important personalities'?

As for 5 metres away from pedestrian walkways. Is that even possible?

I think the green boxes are ridicules all they are good for is pointng out public figures. that way the red shirt leaders will not have to pass out addressees with their phone numbers.

Besides if I want to complain against the Amnesty idea what good would my suggestion do in a green box on a city council members lawn?

the green boxes will not only increase security,but,increase exports,bring more tourists,and solve all the political problems in Thailand.IMO

Dam there I go again always over looking the positive aspects of a situation.

[hellodolly]

How 7-11 let these scabby vendors block their entrances is also a mystery.

Sometimes you have to step over dogs just to get in and in doing so fear getting bitten.

I often find myself walking on the streets as its easier to get where I am going to, instead of having to be funnelled into a narrow walkthrough between vendors...

Pardon me if I gloat a bit - but I reside at rural property near a town with no such problems. The closest vendor problems, similar to those mentioned in the OP, are a 3.5 hour drive away - at Chiang Mai. .....and sometimes I feel I'm too close to C.Mai.

You don't get around much do you.

Here in Chiang Mai we have side walks that are so cluttered with light poles telephone booths and parked motor bikes some times cars that you are better off walking in the street. We don't need venders to create walking problems on the side walks. Some of them even have two inch steps in them some times bigger.

[Nisa]

A great laugh for the morning. To the best of my knowledge, every street vendor pays off the police to operate. It would be a bit unseemly for the police to collect money from a vendor one day, and then give them the boot the next day. There must be some sort of compromise available. I sort of like street vendors, but it is damned annoying to have to walk in the street because the sidewalk is jammed with vendors...

That is actually a myth. The only ones that need to pay off the police are the ones doing something illegal. They pay a license fee that allow them to operate in a certain area.

It's not a myth. In fact many stalls are erected illegally and have to pay the Police. My ex had a stall selling womens' clothing on Sukhumvit near Soi Nana and all the vendors paid money to the Police to operate on their patch.

There's no 'license fee', it's a bribe or tea money so the Police turn a blind eye. The Police also act as 'protection' in case something happens. Much like a organised crime racket back home.

In other words ... as I said ... the ones who are doing something illegal need to pay. If they are not paying for a street vendor license then they are without doubt operating illegally. And if as you say all the vendors pay along Soi Nana then it is illegal to sell in that area and why they pay.

[Thai at Heart]

A great laugh for the morning. To the best of my knowledge, every street vendor pays off the police to operate. It would be a bit unseemly for the police to collect money from a vendor one day, and then give them the boot the next day. There must be some sort of compromise available. I sort of like street vendors, but it is damned annoying to have to walk in the street because the sidewalk is jammed with vendors...

That is actually a myth. The only ones that need to pay off the police are the ones doing something illegal. They pay a license fee that allow them to operate in a certain area.

It's not a myth. In fact many stalls are erected illegally and have to pay the Police. My ex had a stall selling womens' clothing on Sukhumvit near Soi Nana and all the vendors paid money to the Police to operate on their patch.

There's no 'license fee', it's a bribe or tea money so the Police turn a blind eye. The Police also act as 'protection' in case something happens. Much like a organised crime racket back home.

In other words ... as I said ... the ones who are doing something illegal need to pay. If they are not paying for a street vendor license then they are without doubt operating illegally. And if as you say all the vendors pay along Soi Nana then it is illegal to sell in that area and why they pay.

Not to split hairs, but that would suggest 100% in many areas are illegal, so by definition ALL pay, in certain areas?

[SABloke]

A great laugh for the morning. To the best of my knowledge, every street vendor pays off the police to operate. It would be a bit unseemly for the police to collect money from a vendor one day, and then give them the boot the next day. There must be some sort of compromise available. I sort of like street vendors, but it is damned annoying to have to walk in the street because the sidewalk is jammed with vendors...

That is actually a myth. The only ones that need to pay off the police are the ones doing something illegal. They pay a license fee that allow them to operate in a certain area.

It's not a myth. My friend owns a small restaurant in front of his house. He is licensed for food, alcohol and even music (from Grammy - how many restaurants pay for music?). The ONLY reason he doesn't pay the police is becuase his neighbour and friend is a policeman who told the local BIB not to ask him. If this was not the case the police would simply tell him that one day, if he had some problem (break in, theft or whatever), he would be last on the priority list - if on the list at all. I'm qouting the neighbour, a policeman, so if you know more about the police than an actual poliecman...please...respond