Move to ease BKK's pedestrian traffic

[Lite Beer]

Move to ease BKK's pedestrian traffic
The Nation

A CentralWorld security guard in front of the shopping complex. Public space in front of the mall is now dominated by street vendors and vehicles.

BANGKOK; -- The footpath and pedestrian flyover bridge in front of CentralWorld would be the next target of Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, which is attempting to make Bangkok nicer to local dwellers and foreign visitors.

Police Major General Wichai Sangprapai, an advisor to BMA, said that BMA will call an internal meeting this week to work out a pedestrian traffic management plan for the area in front of CentralWorld.

To attend the meeting are officials from Pathumwan District and over 70 vendors.

He said that BMA has received complaints from pedestrians who cannot make way through a number of street vendors and vehicles. While vendors fill up the footpath area with their stalls, taxi and other vehicles also block public buses from entering the bus stop, leading to heavy traffic congestion. Some vendors also sell their products over the flyover bridge linking both sides of Rajadamri Road.

"The area is a major business area, which draws a large number of Thai and foreign visitors," he said.

BMA has recently come up with the management plan for the Bo Bae market. All 900 vendors are now allowed to put up their stalls at only one side of the road, during 8am-3pm and during 8pm-4am, for the convenience of pedestrians. Before, all stalls are put up on both sides, without any time limits.

-- The Nation 2013-09-01

[theblether]

Bangkok to be pedestrian friendly? We can only dream.

To be able to go for a walk without risking a broken ankle would be a wonderful thing. This is why I appreciate Lumpini so much.....although surrounded by the city you can go for a wander without being harassed by tuk tuk's and watching out for serious tripping hazards.

I hope this idea takes off.

[worgeordie]

Some of the paths in Bangkok you need to wear mountain boots,looking down for potholes,

and skyward for low awnings,and electrical wires,while squeezing past street sellers,not to

mention the pans of boiling oil and water of the footpath food sellers.

It would be interesting to see figure's, for annual injuries ,like broken bones,electric shocks,

cut heads,that occur on the streets of Bangkok,in the West you would be able to sue for any

injuries, but here ! your on your own.

I cannot see any changes in the near future , as all these sellers are paying daily rent to someone,

and in Thailand money is king.

regards Worgeordie

[samran]

Am in two minds. Those stores wouldn't be there without pedestrian traffic, nor without willing customers. They also, I think, add to Bangkok's character.

Do appriciate the ability to walk though.

Given this, I'd settle for decent footpaths, with vendors.

[RubbaJohnny]

The road to sell is paved with uneven intentions.

Just imagine navigating in a wheelchair.

While high paving is needed due to runoff but surely the thousands of smelly redundant phone boths could be removed.

Vendors restrict to one side of Sukhumvit so those who wish to walk can do so unimpeded by penis enlargerment tablets and tablets displaying pirated material for the same effect ,these erections and low hanging awnings detract from the refined charm of the city of the angels as revealed in old photos.

More pollution free buses less cars and tuktuks and we might all breath a little less heavily.

[LuckyLew]

Why not give all the pedestrians a tax rebate when they buy cars?

[Berek]

I too think it adds a bit to the charm of crazy Bangkok. Although having said that I've almost lost an eye to a metal spike protruding from an awning. If they policed their setup so there was still plenty of walking space would be a better compromise.

[lee b]

give them there own path

[bra]

I too think it adds a bit to the charm of crazy Bangkok. Although having said that I've almost lost an eye to a metal spike protruding from an awning. If they policed their setup so there was still plenty of walking space would be a better compromise.

Charm? what charm? The authorities should at least maintain order on the the footpaths for all vendors - goods and food. Its almost impossible to squeeze through vendors on both sides of the footpath on Sukhumvit and other roads and sois. The shops (who pay rent) should be able to have clear access for their customers. But the if footpaths are cleared up the next problem would more of Bangkok's charm - motorbike taxis zooming along the footpath even faster and demanding that you jump out of the way or else!

[samran]

I too think it adds a bit to the charm of crazy Bangkok. Although having said that I've almost lost an eye to a metal spike protruding from an awning. If they policed their setup so there was still plenty of walking space would be a better compromise.

Charm? what charm? The authorities should at least maintain order on the the footpaths for all vendors - goods and food. Its almost impossible to squeeze through vendors on both sides of the footpath on Sukhumvit and other roads and sois. The shops (who pay rent) should be able to have clear access for their customers. But the if footpaths are cleared up the next problem would more of Bangkok's charm - motorbike taxis zooming along the footpath even faster and demanding that you jump out of the way or else!

Lower Sukhumvit does not equal Bangkok.

[Curt1591]

They did clear vendors from the bus stop, across from Paragon, for some time. Hopefully, it's still in force and will be expanded. It really helped.

Edited September 2, 2013 by Curt1591

[chooka]

Are pedestrians blocking the flow of traffic trying to use the footpaths?

[upena]

Vendors on footpaths are illegal in Thailand as is driving one's motorcycle on the sidewalk - but - this is Thailand where rules are made to be ignored.

[DocN]

Just even out the walkways and crack down (yeah, I said it) on motocy's using the walkway as a road... and I will be fine.

Just avoiding the vendors is not a huge problem and it is kind of Bangkok's charme. But avoiding a vendor while tripping into a whole, twisting my ankle and jam into an oncoming motorcycle is just...bad!

[Bpuumike]

Vendors on footpaths are illegal in Thailand as is driving one's motorcycle on the sidewalk - but - this is Thailand where rules are made to be ignored.

Off topic but so, I understand is prostitution.

[Curt1591]

There is a law prohibiting street vending in Bangkok. But, paying off the Thetsakij buys one a pass.

The motos are a different situation. To stop them, someone would have to actually chase them down. That's too much work!

[wpcoe]

Vendors on footpaths are illegal in Thailand as is driving one's motorcycle on the sidewalk - but - this is Thailand where rules are made to be ignored.

Just even out the walkways and crack down (yeah, I said it) on motocy's using the walkway as a road... and I will be fine.

Just avoiding the vendors is not a huge problem and it is kind of Bangkok's charme. But avoiding a vendor while tripping into a whole, twisting my ankle and jam into an oncoming motorcycle is just...bad!

Is that true that motorcycles are not legal on sidewalks (footpaths)? A while ago it was explained to me here on thaivisa.com that riding motorbikes on the sidewalk *is* legal.

[kirk0233]

Who is renting the footpaths in Bangkok? If it is BMA, is the revenue recorded for public scrutiny? Or is it the establishments renting the footpath in front of their business, which they have no right to do since it is public property for pedestrian not business use? Regardless, the footpath Mafia control the footpaths throughout Thailand.

[DocN]

Vendors on footpaths are illegal in Thailand as is driving one's motorcycle on the sidewalk - but - this is Thailand where rules are made to be ignored.

Just even out the walkways and crack down (yeah, I said it) on motocy's using the walkway as a road... and I will be fine.

Just avoiding the vendors is not a huge problem and it is kind of Bangkok's charme. But avoiding a vendor while tripping into a whole, twisting my ankle and jam into an oncoming motorcycle is just...bad!

Is that true that motorcycles are not legal on sidewalks (footpaths)? A while ago it was explained to me here on thaivisa.com that riding motorbikes on the sidewalk *is* legal.

...it sure shouldn't be!

[samtam]

The streets of Bangkok are not paved with gold; they are just not paved.

[Curt1591]

Is that true that motorcycles are not legal on sidewalks (footpaths)? A while ago it was explained to me here on thaivisa.com that riding motorbikes on the sidewalk *is* legal.

It is not true. In fact, cracking down on the practice was one of the more recent "campaigns" proposed by the BIB, along with traveling opposite the direction of traffic.

[Sung Ham]

They did clear vendors from the bus stop, across from Paragon, for some time. Hopefully, it's still in force and will be expanded. It really helped.

Beautiful.

Taking away the vendors really let's you see the natural urban beauty of Thailand.

At least there isn't a middle-aged Thai woman trying to look like minnie mouse to impress her elderly farang in view.

Edited September 2, 2013 by Sung Ham

[peterbkk9]

In many parts of Bangkok, the foot path is 2-3 meters wide but with street vendors on both sides (sometimes selling sex toys), there is barely just enough room for 1 pedestrian to walk through.

I understand street vendors have to make a living. But couldn't the BMA regulate this and maybe allow street vendors just on 1 side?

[BuriramRes]

I too think it adds a bit to the charm of crazy Bangkok. Although having said that I've almost lost an eye to a metal spike protruding from an awning. If they policed their setup so there was still plenty of walking space would be a better compromise.

If you had more "Thainess" ie were not excessively tall, that would not be a problem.

[Sung Ham]

In many parts of Bangkok, the foot path is 2-3 meters wide but with street vendors on both sides (sometimes selling sex toys),

Sex Toys?

Outrageous. What happened to the Child Porn that was reportedly available along the Sukhumvit sidewalk 6 months ago.

[Sung Ham]

I understand street vendors have to make a living. But couldn't the BMA regulate this and maybe allow street vendors just on 1 side?

What, and cut their own income stream in half?

Edited September 2, 2013 by Sung Ham

[Cobalt60]

Get rid of them all, pedestrians, vendors etc, its a bloody nightmare trying to ride your motorcycle down the sidewalks nowadays.

[Bagwan]

Am in two minds. Those stores wouldn't be there without pedestrian traffic, nor without willing customers. They also, I think, add to Bangkok's character.

Do appriciate the ability to walk though.

Given this, I'd settle for decent footpaths, with vendors.

Lucky you, having two minds. Would you be so kind as to lease one to Yingluck who hasn't got one of her own. She'll pay you in handbags, if you're lucky.

[ginjag]

Am in two minds. Those stores wouldn't be there without pedestrian traffic, nor without willing customers. They also, I think, add to Bangkok's character.

Do appriciate the ability to walk though.

Given this, I'd settle for decent footpaths, with vendors.

Lucky you, having two minds. Would you be so kind as to lease one to Yingluck who hasn't got one of her own. She'll pay you in handbags, if you're lucky.

And this is from Bagwan...t

[Bpuumike]

Who is renting the footpaths in Bangkok? If it is BMA, is the revenue recorded for public scrutiny? Or is it the establishments renting the footpath in front of their business, which they have no right to do since it is public property for pedestrian not business use? Regardless, the footpath Mafia control the footpaths throughout Thailand.

If it's the BMA then the BIB seem to do the rent collecting on their behalf.