Bangkok Administration reorganizes Sukhumvit Road areas

[webfact]

BMA reorganizes Sukhumvit Road areas

BANGKOK, 21 August 2014 (NNT) - Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) executives have gone down to inspect the stalls lining along the Khlong Toey and Wattana Districts of Sukhumvit Road.

Vallop Suwandee, the BMA Deputy Governor, said that most vendors have agreed to fully cooperate with the BMA’s move to clean-up the congested road area.

He further stated that the BMA has requested the vendors not to set up their stalls during daytime. However, they’re allowed to do so at night starting at 7:00pm onwards.

Under the new law, each vendor is also allowed to occupy only 1.5 meters and 1 meter of the footpath’s width and length space respectively.

According to a female vendor who has been making a living selling watches in the Sukhumvit 11 Road area for more than 20 years, the Nana area is the place where most tourists come to shop during daytime.

Therefore, she has asked the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) to reconsider its decision to allow all the vendors to sell their goods during daytime as well, or else it would seriously affect their way of living.


-- NNT 2014-08-21

[bkkjames]

Near Phom Pong BTS please, unpassable at times because of the food hunters stopping in the only half meter wide path between vendors on either side.

[Loles]

I like street food, and street vendors but what they make in foot-path this is indefensible.

Every-where hot oils, soups, litter, cockroaches, or just try to walk there in lottery days ... crazy situation.

Before the police made white lines for them in foot-paths, but off course no-one care about them.

[BKKBrit]

And remove the kiddy porn and dildos and fake pills.....all under the noses of their Nazi Police who spend their life looking for ciggie-butt throwers and not enforcing the enroachment of the stalls and the goods they sell.

[marsstar14]

Near Phom Pong BTS please, unpassable at times because of the food hunters stopping in the only half meter wide path between vendors on either side.

Read somewhere that under this new law, the vendors are allowed to occupy only side of the footpath instead of blocking both sides. That's a good move I guess since it would allow pedestrians to walk much easier.

[NongKhaiKid]

Have to love the exact measurements which of course will be rigorously enforced.

I haven't been to Bkk in many years but the last time was a nightmare trying to walk down Sukhumvit from Soi 11 to the Robinson area. It did improve my dancing skills though as I mastered the Paso Doble getting through the tiny space between vendors stalls and other pedestrians.

Ole ( in a Scottish accent ).

[Loles]

And remove the kiddy porn and dildos and fake pills.....all under the noses of their Nazi Police who spend their life looking for ciggie-butt throwers and not enforcing the enroachment of the stalls and the goods they sell.

Yes this is full disgusting, just saw yesterday.

A vendor sold them next to Nana BTS, and a few small guys in school uniform were looking those products and made a show-business they are enough big to check them.

One police stood there around 10 meters, but off course he had to take care of his shop security black work.

Nice.

[Sena Dave]

Soi 11 at night is a nightmare especially if you've had a few , what little space there is to walk on one side of the road is taken up by a couple of beggars , cornering the market so to speak

[scorecard]

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

Have to love the exact measurements which of course will be rigorously enforced.

I haven't been to Bkk in many years but the last time was a nightmare trying to walk down Sukhumvit from Soi 11 to the Robinson area. It did improve my dancing skills though as I mastered the Paso Doble getting through the tiny space between vendors stalls and other pedestrians.

Ole ( in a Scottish accent ).

Ten days ago, whatever, Ram Road cleared but all back again.

In many places the small gap left for walking makes it impossible for two people to pass each other without both turning and slowly walking sideways and at the same time being careful to not to knock any of the stands, which often invokes yelling and abuse from the vendors.

As previously, large numbers of people, some with little kids have no choice but to walk on the roadway amongst the heavy and way too fast traffic, crazy bus drivers. etc.

[bangrak]

Do these people have a sense of reality? When I read about that lady wanting to be allowed to sell at daytime too, while the new rule is about selling at nightime only... And what is she selling there? Watches! I'd eat my best hat when she'd not be selling, illegal, copies, and that for 20years already... When was the last 'crackdown' on fake luxury goods? Thais are used to frequent kind of sudden tidal waves of rules (mostly older ones nobody cared about anymore), they duck and let those flow over them, and when the skies clear up it's business as usual, again... IMO, it is one of the most difficult parts of the task the NCPO has taken up: to convince the Thai general populations that rules and laws will from now on be enforced, not for a month or a year, but on and on in the future. I'm not even sure though even members of the NCPO are convinced of that for themselves... My hopes are getting thinner by the day...

[ChrisY1]

I was in Suk yesterday between near Nana BTS.......saw the group of officials and army guys come along the road..press in tow...it looked like some vendors knew they were coming and had moved....as soon as they passed, out came the videos..belts...just the same as any other day.......they'll never stop it!

[Calach]

Once they have done their crackdown on small street vendors, perhaps they could also do a crackdown on the malls, office buildings and condos anarchic construction frenzy, which have already confiscated 93% of the city space, draws huge crowds and traffic to that area, but leave little place for them to circulate.

But I guess it's easier to do a crackdown on street vendors making a couple thousands Bahts than real estate operations making billions.

Edited August 21, 2014 by Calach

[Sena Dave]

Its a shame if it goes , we had some wonderful family strolls from Soi 11 to Asok making small talk as we passed by displays of Dildos , Strap ons , crutch-less knickers and Viagra

[gemini81]

Once they have done their crackdown on small street vendors, perhaps they could also do a crackdown on the malls, office buildings and condos anarchic construction frenzy, which have already confiscated 93% of the city space, draws huge crowds and traffic to that area, but leave little place for them to circulate.

But I guess it's easier to do a crackdown on street vendors making a couple thousands Bahts than real estate operations making billions.

Or start with the frickin' traffic 1 meter away! There is the real crisis, not obstructing stalls or dildos for sale; easier to do the small-time stuff I guess...? We'll see.....More than PTP did, only furthering chaos.

Edited August 21, 2014 by gemini81

[TallGuyJohninBKK]

I was wondering what was going on lately along lower Sukhumvit Road...

In recent days, during the afternoon hours, much of the main road's sidewalks that previously were crowded with street vendors have been blessedly un-obstructed... seemingly, moreso on the even-sois side of the road, and much less so on the odd-sois side of the road, which I believe are under different police area jurisdictions.

AFAIK, the OP post here is ONLY talking about vendors along the MAIN road, and nothing about obstructions along the various side sois... So I'd presume the inability to walk along the so-called sidewalks along Suk Soi 11 and similar places will continue in its current form.

My only question is... just how long will the main road enforcement last???

Edited August 21, 2014 by TallGuyJohninBKK

[scorecard]

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

Do these people have a sense of reality? When I read about that lady wanting to be allowed to sell at daytime too, while the new rule is about selling at nightime only... And what is she selling there? Watches! I'd eat my best hat when she'd not be selling, illegal, copies, and that for 20years already... When was the last 'crackdown' on fake luxury goods? Thais are used to frequent kind of sudden tidal waves of rules (mostly older ones nobody cared about anymore), they duck and let those flow over them, and when the skies clear up it's business as usual, again... IMO, it is one of the most difficult parts of the task the NCPO has taken up: to convince the Thai general populations that rules and laws will from now on be enforced, not for a month or a year, but on and on in the future. I'm not even sure though even members of the NCPO are convinced of that for themselves... My hopes are getting thinner by the day...

There would be little doubt the good general and the NCPO will be well aware this will be a hard, bumpy and long-term road but one worth pursuing.

[Cuchulainn]

Its a shame if it goes , we had some wonderful family strolls from Soi 11 to Asok making small talk as we passed by displays of Dildos , Strap ons , crutch-less knickers and Viagra

Daddy, daddy, can I have one of those long, funny-shaped, pink lollipops?!!

[Sena Dave]

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

Its a shame if it goes , we had some wonderful family strolls from Soi 11 to Asok making small talk as we passed by displays of Dildos , Strap ons , crutch-less knickers and Viagra

alt=passifier.gif> Daddy, daddy, can I have one of those long, funny-shaped, pink lollipops?!! alt=passifier.gif>

alt=cheesy.gif width=32 height=20>

hahahahaha , something along those lines. Its a good job they are with me when I walk past those stools , if I were on my own I might blow 10K on them and go on the rampage in Nana ;o)

[Bangmod]

Just sent all this vendors back to their Paddy fields, so the counterfeit business can be stopped in the same time.

Start to make it a livable city for once

[TallGuyJohninBKK]

A rarely seen sight in downtown Bangkok... open, unobstructed sidewalk space.

Beneath Nana BTS Station this afternoon 3 pm

Even sois side near Soi 8

Odd sois side near Soi 11

[bkkjames]

A rarely seen sight in downtown Bangkok... open, unobstructed sidewalk space.

Beneath Nana BTS Station this afternoon 3 pm

Even sois side near Soi 8

2014-08-21 14.53.27.jpg

Odd sois side near Soi 11

2014-08-21 14.55.46.jpg

I should have taken a photo near Phrom Pong BTS at lunch today . ... looked nothing like your photos. maybe they are working their way up?

[Cuchulainn]

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

Its a shame if it goes , we had some wonderful family strolls from Soi 11 to Asok making small talk as we passed by displays of Dildos , Strap ons , crutch-less knickers and Viagra

alt=passifier.gif> Daddy, daddy, can I have one of those long, funny-shaped, pink lollipops?!! alt=passifier.gif>

alt=cheesy.gif width=32 height=20>

hahahahaha , something along those lines. Its a good job they are with me when I walk past those stools , if I were on my own I might blow 10K on them and go on the rampage in Nana ;o)

I usually sit when I pass stools!!

Sorry mate, had to do that!!

[Sena Dave]

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

Its a shame if it goes , we had some wonderful family strolls from Soi 11 to Asok making small talk as we passed by displays of Dildos , Strap ons , crutch-less knickers and Viagra

alt=passifier.gif> Daddy, daddy, can I have one of those long, funny-shaped, pink lollipops?!! alt=passifier.gif>

alt=cheesy.gif width=32 height=20>

hahahahaha , something along those lines. Its a good job they are with me when I walk past those stools , if I were on my own I might blow 10K on them and go on the rampage in Nana ;o)

I usually sit when I pass stools!! alt=cheesy.gif width=32 height=20>

Sorry mate, had to do that!!

Never pass up the opportunity of a cheap laugh , thats my motto

[scorecard]

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

scorecard, on 21 Aug 2014 - 12:08, said:

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

NongKhaiKid, on 21 Aug 2014 - 11:32, said:

Have to love the exact measurements which of course will be rigorously enforced.

I haven't been to Bkk in many years but the last time was a nightmare trying to walk down Sukhumvit from Soi 11 to the Robinson area. It did improve my dancing skills though as I mastered the Paso Doble getting through the tiny space between vendors stalls and other pedestrians.

Ole ( in a Scottish accent ).

Ten days ago, whatever, Ram Road cleared but all back again.

In many places the small gap left for walking makes it impossible for two people to pass each other without both turning and slowly walking sideways and at the same time being careful to not to knock any of the stands, which often invokes yelling and abuse from the vendors.

As previously, large numbers of people, some with little kids have no choice but to walk on the roadway amongst the heavy and way too fast traffic, crazy bus drivers. etc.

UPDATE. Just went to my nearby 7 on Ram Road. Two senior army people and 2 senior police and a truck load of workmen on site.

Army guy telling the vendors to move now and don't come back.

One vendor (sells copy watches - big stall - one of the worst offenders in regard to blocking pedestrian access) in heated argument with army and police and insisting there is no law to say they cannot use & block the footpath. In fact he was saying that people should walk on the road and not on the footpath.

Senior army guy said 'you are wrong about the law, footpaths are for walking and nothing more, no further discussion, pack and be gone within one hour or we take everything away and you will not get it back'.

I need to walk past this area about 9:00 pm this evening, I'll check.

Edited August 21, 2014 by scorecard

[TallGuyJohninBKK]

I think the new policy, all things considered, is a good thing.

However, from the point of view of a street vendor, if you've been paying the police and/or BMA for years and years to gain permission to sell you wares streetside from early afternoon until late at night, and suddenly, the police and Army come along and say... no more before 7 pm, I'd be kind of pissed.

Kind of like when Thai Immigration comes along and suddenly changes the extension of stay rules with little or no notice to those relying on them. The folks being affected get kind of cranky.

Edited August 21, 2014 by TallGuyJohninBKK

[khunken]

I think the new policy, all things considered, is a good thing.

However, from the point of view of a street vendor, if you've been paying the police and/or BMA for years and years to gain permission to sell you wares streetside from early afternoon until late at night, and suddenly, the police and Army come along and say... no more before 7 pm, I'd be kind of pissed.

Kind of like when Thai Immigration comes along and suddenly changes the extension of stay rules with little or no notice to those relying on them. The folks being affected get kind of cranky.

Yes. What is the 'thinking' behind the idea that it's not ok to block the pavement in daytime but ok at night? Silly question I know.

This has happened before - yet another crackdown - and I suspect that it will be back to 'normal' pretty soon. The vendors, BIB and BMA 'police' will not be out of pocket for any longer than they have to.

[cbluck58]

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Just sent all this vendors back to their Paddy fields, so the counterfeit business can be stopped in the same time.

Start to make it a livable city for once

If it is not livable , don't try to live there - what's complicated ?

[chotthee]

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scorecard, on 21 Aug 2014 - 12:08, said:

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NongKhaiKid, on 21 Aug 2014 - 11:32, said:

Have to love the exact measurements which of course will be rigorously enforced.

I haven't been to Bkk in many years but the last time was a nightmare trying to walk down Sukhumvit from Soi 11 to the Robinson area. It did improve my dancing skills though as I mastered the Paso Doble getting through the tiny space between vendors stalls and other pedestrians.

Ole ( in a Scottish accent ).

Ten days ago, whatever, Ram Road cleared but all back again.

In many places the small gap left for walking makes it impossible for two people to pass each other without both turning and slowly walking sideways and at the same time being careful to not to knock any of the stands, which often invokes yelling and abuse from the vendors.

As previously, large numbers of people, some with little kids have no choice but to walk on the roadway amongst the heavy and way too fast traffic, crazy bus drivers. etc.

UPDATE. Just went to my nearby 7 on Ram Road. Two senior army people and 2 senior police and a truck load of workmen on site.

Army guy telling the vendors to move now and don't come back.

One vendor (sells copy watches - big stall - one of the worst offenders in regard to blocking pedestrian access) in heated argument with army and police and insisting there is no law to say they cannot use & block the footpath. In fact he was saying that people should walk on the road and not on the footpath.

Senior army guy said 'you are wrong about the law, footpaths are for walking and nothing more, no further discussion, pack and be gone within one hour or we take everything away and you will not get it back'.

I need to walk past this area about 9:00 pm this evening, I'll check.

I can assure you, new shop will be set up within a week by a different people (who pay protection fee to the new protector). Police is now out. Army is in. Sorry if you have already paid the police, there is no refund, as there was no receipt.

[khunken]

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scorecard, on 21 Aug 2014 - 12:08, said:

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

NongKhaiKid, on 21 Aug 2014 - 11:32, said:

Have to love the exact measurements which of course will be rigorously enforced.

I haven't been to Bkk in many years but the last time was a nightmare trying to walk down Sukhumvit from Soi 11 to the Robinson area. It did improve my dancing skills though as I mastered the Paso Doble getting through the tiny space between vendors stalls and other pedestrians.

Ole ( in a Scottish accent ).

Ten days ago, whatever, Ram Road cleared but all back again.

In many places the small gap left for walking makes it impossible for two people to pass each other without both turning and slowly walking sideways and at the same time being careful to not to knock any of the stands, which often invokes yelling and abuse from the vendors.

As previously, large numbers of people, some with little kids have no choice but to walk on the roadway amongst the heavy and way too fast traffic, crazy bus drivers. etc.

UPDATE. Just went to my nearby 7 on Ram Road. Two senior army people and 2 senior police and a truck load of workmen on site.

Army guy telling the vendors to move now and don't come back.

One vendor (sells copy watches - big stall - one of the worst offenders in regard to blocking pedestrian access) in heated argument with army and police and insisting there is no law to say they cannot use & block the footpath. In fact he was saying that people should walk on the road and not on the footpath.

Senior army guy said 'you are wrong about the law, footpaths are for walking and nothing more, no further discussion, pack and be gone within one hour or we take everything away and you will not get it back'.

I need to walk past this area about 9:00 pm this evening, I'll check.

I can assure you, new shop will be set up within a week by a different people (who pay protection fee to the new protector). Police is now out. Army is in. Sorry if you have already paid the police, there is no refund, as there was no receipt.

Err - no. The army have no control over the vendors or pavements. You fail to understand that the army is telling the police & BMA to clean things up. They'll all be back - the same players - when the crackdown dies down.

[bra]

I hope I am wrong as I have not yet been to the TV bar/restaurant in Soi 7. But in the photos I have seen it appears that the bar has tables and chairs on the footpath, forcing walkers to walk on the road. If I am wrong I apologise, but if not I respectfully suggest that the footpath/sidewalk is kept clear. Of course it would be nice if the motorbike taxis stayed off the footpath as well, but maybe out of the control of TV.