BMA begins Klongthom cleanup

BANGKOK: -- More than 400 city workers began cleaning up pedestrian footpath around Klongthom market today under guards by police and soldiers amid a handful of defiant vendors holding placards attacking the action.

The defiant vendors remained firm to trade in the pavements from in front of the Central Hospital, Maha Chak, Suapa, and Charoen Krung roads.

The cleanup operation wad directed by Bangkok governor Wanlop Suwandee and assistant to Bangkok governor Pol Maj Gen Vichai Sangpraphai.

The cleanup operation was supported by traders and shop owners living in the market area as their businesses were not affected, except those vendors occupying footpaths in front of their.shops to trade.

The assistant to the governor said after the cleanup operation today, city police will be deployed in the areas around the clock to prevent vendors from returning to the places to trade.

He also warned of legal action if vendors defy the order, saying there would be.no.more reprieve for them to continue occupying footpath to do business.

Only about 50 defiant vendors watched the cleanup operation with no resistance.

Business at Klongthom remained normal only without those vendors occupying pavements displaying their merchandises.

Shops continued business as usual.

-- Thai PBS 2015-03-07

Sorry but its about time, To many Foot paths are Blocked, making pedestrians walk on dangerous roads, Also the stains from fat frying and other food stuffs thrown or dropped on the pavement, this in turns causes rats and nasty smells, along with slippery .surfaces, all street vendors should be licensed and regularly checked.

........and then after an all day clean-up,,,,,,,its dumped in another location to be picked up at a later time..... Way to go!

Ok these vendors have to make a living, but they soon turn into self righteous arrseholes who block foothpaths with a "sod you, Jack" attitude and don't give a damn for pedestrians or their safety!!

Mr. PM it is good your cleaning up footpaths it get s a bit hard to share footpaths here with others like motorbikes and like. But your taking away peoples livelyhoods May I suggest that you find the owners of all these vacant lots that are over grown with Trees and bushes that the rats, cats, dogs and homeless taken over and clear the land of the debris rent spaces to vendors to have place off sidewalks yet the public if they wish can go and buy there stuff. In one swoop you solve two issues and all happy. But mind you only the thought of dumb farang.