Vendors Protest Revoking Trading On Pavement 24 Hours A Day

[Jai Dee]

100 Bo Bae vendors protested BMA 's command of revoking trading on pavement

More than 100 vendors from Bo Bae Market are still gathering at Krung Kasem Road in front of the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security since last night in order to protest against the regulation on peddlers and stalls in Bangkok. The regulation orders for a cancellation of temporarily permitted areas along the sidewalks of Krung Kasem Rd. The BMA prohibits vendors from doing trades throughout 24 hours a day, in order to improve the townscape and alleviate heavy traffic congestion.

Ms. Wanpen Kamrak (วันเพ็ญ คำรักษ์), a Bo Bae vendor, revealed her potential problem if she would be relocated to a newly-constructed building at Saphan Kaw (สะพานขาว) Market since the rental price is expensive and it is hard to transfer goods. In addition, tourists prefer atmosphere at Bo Bae Market. Selling goods at the building may cause less income, and 2,500 booths would be in trouble.

In the meantime, Bo Bae vendors insisted to continue their demonstration at Krung Kasem Rd. without causing troubles for cars passing by. They said they will gather until Pom Prap Satrru Phai (ป้อมปราบศัตรูพ่าย) District Director and Bangkok Governor Apirak Kosayodhin (อภิรักษ์ โกษะโยธิน) consent to negotiate with them.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 13 November 2006

[alexth]

Finally...some sense coming through

[Ulysses G.]

I feel sorry for street vendors, but I hate them blocking the pavements.

If I had my way, food carts would be allowed, but trinkets for tourists would be banned!!

[Jai Dee]

Vendors defy order to leave

Vendors along the Padung Krungkasem Canal yesterday continued their protest against a Pom Prab district office order to vacate the area.

Their stalls have been on these footpaths in the heart of Bangkok for many years, forming part of the well-known Bo Bae Market.

But Pom Prab district office chief Chanisorn Suebsang issued an order on Saturday for them to shift out by yesterday.

The situation was tense yesterday with yellow-clad vendors surrounding two backhoes they believed were intended to dismantle the footpaths on which they had long operated their stalls.

Amporn Atthasathien, who has led the protest since Sunday evening, demanded a meeting with Chanisorn. Police officers closely monitored the vendors' protest.

"Please come and negotiate - don't just issue the order!" Amporn said, adding that Chanisorn only took office on Saturday and rushed to issue this order.

Another vendor in the Bo Bae Market, Wanpen Kamrak, said more than 2,500 stalls would suffer as a result of the order.

"I have run my stall here for more than 20 years," she said, adding that some stall owners hired more than 20 workers each.

Wanpen was not happy with the Pom Prab district office's explanation that the areas along the Padung Krungkasem Canal needed a facelift and that flowerbeds were to be planted on the footpath.

"Will it be beautiful if the improved landscape means a lot of people will lose their jobs?" she said.

She said the vendors could not afford to pay Bt300,000 for a space the district office recommended as an alternative to areas by the canal.

Nang Lerng Police Station's deputy superintendent Lt-Colonel Sonthaya Yairaikhao said he would invite the relevant parties for talks.

In another development, more than 30 police officers were closely monitoring the situation at the Sunday Market in Bangkok's Chatuchak district. Stall owners inside a market zone have locked horns with the incumbent leaseholder, Thanasarnsombat Pattana Company, which has had a legitimate right to the zone since March.

The stall owners have no rental agreement with Thanasarnsombat Pattana. They formerly paid rent to the previous leaseholder, which went bankrupt many years ago, and then to State Railway of Thailand (SRT).

However, the SRT has already granted the lease to the Thanasarnsombat Pattana.

The stall owners erected a stage near the Sunday Market and publicly condemned the company.

Source: The Nation - 14 November 2006

[john b good]

I feel sorry for street vendors, but I hate them blocking the pavements.

If I had my way, food carts would be allowed, but trinkets for tourists would be banned!!

I agree, and also dislike the footpaths being blocked.

The problem is that in the main, these are honest folks attempting to eke out what must be a pretty meagre living.

The administration should recognise the problem and provide a location (charging a modest rental) where these people could sell their wares.

[alexth]

I feel sorry for street vendors, but I hate them blocking the pavements.

If I had my way, food carts would be allowed, but trinkets for tourists would be banned!!

I agree, and also dislike the footpaths being blocked.

The problem is that in the main, these are honest folks attempting to eke out what must be a pretty meagre living.

The administration should recognise the problem and provide a location (charging a modest rental) where these people could sell their wares.

I've got nothing against some people trying to earn their living, but...I've been to a temple in the vicinity of the Victory Monument for this Loy Krathong and realised I've done the biggest mistake possible. There were vendors everywhere and I mean EVERYWHERE, especially on a small bridge that took me more than 40 minutes to cross (it was a 30m long bridge) because of the crowd and of the vendors selling all kind of crap like hair dryers, fan t-shirts, food and all kinds of junk. I mean, who in the world buys a hairdryer near the water you should be giving away your krathong. They were even angry at the people that were in a near danger of falling on to their stalls. On that small bridge, 3 girls fainted and nobody seemed to give a s*it. I think the authorities should sleep on this one and come up with an ideea.

[Scott]

Most of these vendors are boil on the butt of humanity. I am sorry, but this city is complete chaos and just a little organization and the ability to negotiate down the street would be very welcomed. And as for those food vendors--salmonella peddlers in a large part.

[tropo]

Most of these vendors are boil on the butt of humanity. I am sorry, but this city is complete chaos and just a little organization and the ability to negotiate down the street would be very welcomed. And as for those food vendors--salmonella peddlers in a large part.

That's life and progress in any major city.

Food vendors may be popular, but they are a health risk for most foreigners that haven't built up an immunity to the micro organisms they sell along with their food.

[The Skipper]

The problem is the vendors have no respect for the pedestrians.

They pay rent to the cops and storefront owners so they think they "own" the walkway, block people from navigating, forcing people to walk on the streets.

How many people get run down in traffic everyday since the walkway is blocked? They don't care.

Can't even get a baby carriage down the sidewalks. Rediculous.

If they block the path, they should be fined or banned.

[Ulysses G.]

The problem is the vendors have no respect for the pedestrians.

They pay rent to the cops and storefront owners so they think they "own" the walkway, block people from navigating, forcing people to walk on the streets.

How many people get run down in traffic everyday since the walkway is blocked? They don't care.

Can't even get a baby carriage down the sidewalks. Rediculous.

If they block the path, they should be fined or banned.

Yeah, and the deaf ones are really arrogant about walking on "their" sidewalk.

[Briggsy]

On Ramkhamhaeng, Silom, Ratchawithi, etc I am forced to walk in the road by the vendors-gone-mad syndrome. Try using the footbridge across Bang-Na Trat in front of Central Bang Na. Notice how they all disappear when there's a big international conference. It would not be difficult to shift them and enforce the law if the will was there.

[Sophon]

I agree with much of what have been said, but the article is specifically about the vendors at the Bo Bae market. I honestly don't feel that the stalls there are a nuisance, there isn't that much pedestrian traffic where they are set up, except for the people coming to visit the market.

Sophon

[Jai Dee]

Over 1,000 Bo Bae dealers protests against zoning street vendors

Over 1,000 Bo Bae (โบ๊เบ๊) dealers have gathered to protest against authorities regarding the new policies to zone street vendors and their lot. Authorities have issued regulations recently in an attempt to eliminate gangsters from extorting money from merchants.

At about 5 am this morning along Padung_krungkasem (ผดุงกรุงเกษม) canal, about 1000 Bo Bae dealers stood up against 800 policemen from Metro Police Bureau (MPB) in an attempt to prevent the policemen from seizing their workplace.

Bo Bae dealers are informed to move out the area since November 13th; however, no one of them has followed the order.

There were no reports of violence. The Bo Bae dealers has request for negotiation with Bangkok Governor.

In the meantime, Mr. Pichai Chaipojpanich (พิชัย ไชยพจน์พานิช), deputy Bangkok governor, insisted that zoning and regulating the Bo Bae distrist must continue to prevent extortions.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 27 November 2006

[Scott]

I agree with much of what have been said, but the article is specifically about the vendors at the Bo Bae market. I honestly don't feel that the stalls there are a nuisance, there isn't that much pedestrian traffic where they are set up, except for the people coming to visit the market.

Sophon

I don't understand why they are upset about being moved if there isn't that much pedestrian traffic. If there isn't much traffic they might be better off in a designated area.

[britmaveric]

Part of the beauty of thailand - the vendours. Love the food carts and other touts, all though I do admit blockage of foot paths is cumbersome, but its a trade off. I'll support the vendours any day!!!

[alexth]

Part of the beauty of thailand - the vendours. Love the food carts and other touts, all though I do admit blockage of foot paths is cumbersome, but its a trade off. I'll support the vendours any day!!!

Friendly advice, Brit...try living in Sukhumvit for an year or so and THEN send us your feedback. I don't know if you were here for the HM the King's celebrations to see the Sukhumvit nice, clean and clear, it was better than a dream coming true.

[Jai Dee]

Bo Bae dealers resume business in the same area

Street vendors have resume their businesses at Bo Bae Market after the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has temporarily allowed them to operate in the area during the 7 day-period of consideration by a joint-committee to find conclusions on the issue.

Bo Bae Market along the Phadungkrungkasem (ผดุงกรุงเกษม) canal starting from Kasat Suk (กษัตริย์ศึก) Intersection to Saphan Kao (สะพานขาว) Intersection have been packed with dealers since early this morning after yesterday BMA had withdrawn police officers and municipal officials out of the area and announced that the dealers can operate in the same spot temporarily. During this period, a committee comprising of BMA and the Crown Property Bureau officials and representatives of the dealers are discussing the issue in terms of appropriate location for them to sell their goods with the least effect on their business.

BMA Governor Apirak Kosayodhin (อภิรักษ์ โกษะโยธิน) insists that BMA prohibits them from operating along the pavement to zone street vendors and eliminate local gangsters. The first meeting of the joint-committee starts today (November, 30) at the City Hall.

Meanwhile, Bo Bae Market has regained its liveliness, overflown with dealers and buyers. Many vendors were seen displaying various goods that were stored earlier therefore creating very little space left on their shack. They have to place some pushcarts and products on the street, resulting in an occasional traffic jam.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 30 November 2006

[samran]

Part of the beauty of thailand - the vendours. Love the food carts and other touts, all though I do admit blockage of foot paths is cumbersome, but its a trade off. I'll support the vendours any day!!!

Friendly advice, Brit...try living in Sukhumvit for an year or so and THEN send us your feedback. I don't know if you were here for the HM the King's celebrations to see the Sukhumvit nice, clean and clear, it was better than a dream coming true.

there has to be some give and take esp in place like sukhumvit. I in principal support vendors...they give bangkok their charm, and for food at least, provide a convinience that is unsurpassed anywhere.

But, it would be good if they could be organised a little better to at least low a straight flow of pedestrian traffic. And now, since we've had a baby, I am espeically aware of the charcol BBQ's and the deep friers that are unprotected and are inches away from pedestrians. These should be covered up.

[Briggsy]

One of the bog standard tactics of the vendors is to deliberately obstruct the pavement thus slowing down pedestrian traffic to a crawl so people are forced to look longer at the wares for sale. Believe me after a days' work, it's maddening to be forced to walk under hot electric lights in a tightly packed crowd so the municipal cops get rich and pavement-invaders hawk their junk.

If I wanted to go to a market, I'd go to a market.

[alexth]

One of the bog standard tactics of the vendors is to deliberately obstruct the pavement thus slowing down pedestrian traffic to a crawl so people are forced to look longer at the wares for sale. Believe me after a days' work, it's maddening to be forced to walk under hot electric lights in a tightly packed crowd so the municipal cops get rich and pavement-invaders hawk their junk.

If I wanted to go to a market, I'd go to a market.

As it would seem, for some members, this is rocket science. Too much booze to realize it probably.

[Briggsy]

One of the bog standard tactics of the vendors is to deliberately obstruct the pavement thus slowing down pedestrian traffic to a crawl so people are forced to look longer at the wares for sale. Believe me after a days' work, it's maddening to be forced to walk under hot electric lights in a tightly packed crowd so the municipal cops get rich and pavement-invaders hawk their junk.

If I wanted to go to a market, I'd go to a market.

As it would seem, for some members, this is rocket science. Too much booze to realize it probably.

I do not understand your post.

Briggsy

[alexth]

One of the bog standard tactics of the vendors is to deliberately obstruct the pavement thus slowing down pedestrian traffic to a crawl so people are forced to look longer at the wares for sale. Believe me after a days' work, it's maddening to be forced to walk under hot electric lights in a tightly packed crowd so the municipal cops get rich and pavement-invaders hawk their junk.

If I wanted to go to a market, I'd go to a market.

As it would seem, for some members, this is rocket science. Too much booze to realize it probably.

I do not understand your post.

Briggsy

I was just trying to point out that many people still didn't realize it, the obvious, "If I wanted to go to a market, I'd go to a market."

[Briggsy]

One of the bog standard tactics of the vendors is to deliberately obstruct the pavement thus slowing down pedestrian traffic to a crawl so people are forced to look longer at the wares for sale. Believe me after a days' work, it's maddening to be forced to walk under hot electric lights in a tightly packed crowd so the municipal cops get rich and pavement-invaders hawk their junk.

If I wanted to go to a market, I'd go to a market.

As it would seem, for some members, this is rocket science. Too much booze to realize it probably.

I do not understand your post.

Briggsy

I was just trying to point out that many people still didn't realize it, the obvious, "If I wanted to go to a market, I'd go to a market."

Thank you for your explanation. My point was that the markets have invaded the pavements making the pavements pseudo-markets that innocent victims like me cannot avoid as I walk from the bus stop to my apartment. I am, effectively, forced to go to a market against my will.

Briggsy

[Jai Dee]

BMA to take legal actions against Bo Bae dealers

Bangkok Deputy Governor Wallop Suwandee (วัลลภ สุวรรณดี) and Assistant Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Pol.Maj.Gen.Wajanont Thirawat (วัจนนท์ ธีระวัฒน์) revealed after they had talked with representatives of Bo Bae street vendors and has already warned them against operating on the pavements along the Phadungkrungkasem (ผดุงกรุงเกษม) Canal and around the Mahanak (มหานาค) Market. Mr Wallop said that dealers who have put down payments on their shops at 300,000-500,000 baht will be deemed illegal. These high payments also show that they do not have financial problems as what they have previously claimed. BMA will take legal actions against both dealers and buyers on such prohibited pavements. As for street vendors in the area that BMA has allowed to operate, they can resume selling goods as usual starting from tomorrow.

The deputy governor said BMA will not use severe measures to punish those operating in prohibited areas. Meanwhile, the dealers said they need more time to find conclusions on the new location and they will inform BMA of it within December, 12, at 13.00 hrs.

Pol.Maj.Gen.Wajanont added that the street dealers have caused much trouble to commuters using the pavements around the Bo Bae Market. After the authorities have officially announced that the dealers are strictly prohibited to operate on the pavements, about 100 of them has flocked in front of the Bangkok City Hall, insisting that they will sell goods in the same area eventhough it is illegal. The Bo Bae dealers declared that they will no longer negotiate with BMA about the matter.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 08 December 2006

[alexth]

BMA to take legal actions against Bo Bae dealers

Bangkok Deputy Governor Wallop Suwandee (วัลลภ สุวรรณดี) and Assistant Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Pol.Maj.Gen.Wajanont Thirawat (วัจนนท์ ธีระวัฒน์) revealed after they had talked with representatives of Bo Bae street vendors and has already warned them against operating on the pavements along the Phadungkrungkasem (ผดุงกรุงเกษม) Canal and around the Mahanak (มหานาค) Market. Mr Wallop said that dealers who have put down payments on their shops at 300,000-500,000 baht will be deemed illegal. These high payments also show that they do not have financial problems as what they have previously claimed. BMA will take legal actions against both dealers and buyers on such prohibited pavements. As for street vendors in the area that BMA has allowed to operate, they can resume selling goods as usual starting from tomorrow.

The deputy governor said BMA will not use severe measures to punish those operating in prohibited areas. Meanwhile, the dealers said they need more time to find conclusions on the new location and they will inform BMA of it within December, 12, at 13.00 hrs.

Pol.Maj.Gen.Wajanont added that the street dealers have caused much trouble to commuters using the pavements around the Bo Bae Market. After the authorities have officially announced that the dealers are strictly prohibited to operate on the pavements, about 100 of them has flocked in front of the Bangkok City Hall, insisting that they will sell goods in the same area eventhough it is illegal. The Bo Bae dealers declared that they will no longer negotiate with BMA about the matter.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 08 December 2006

Thai style baby!!!

[fourbaht]

Part of the beauty of thailand - the vendours. Love the food carts and other touts, all though I do admit blockage of foot paths is cumbersome, but its a trade off. I'll support the vendours any day!!!

Friendly advice, Brit...try living in Sukhumvit for an year or so and THEN send us your feedback. I don't know if you were here for the HM the King's celebrations to see the Sukhumvit nice, clean and clear, it was better than a dream coming true.

How long have you lived on Suk? were the vendors there when you decided to live there? I guess they were but you still took the decision to live there anyway.

I agree with Brit and I have lived on Suk, to be honest they never bothered me in the slightest, I love street food and they service all of the office staff in the area.

I bet if you ran a company in BKK and all of your staff disappeared for 2 hour lunches because they had to take a bus to a market to get some reasonably priced food your opinion would change.

If when you moved to Suk there were no vendors and they appeared after you arrived then I would sympathize with you a little. But honestly do you think the "well I’ve arrived and I don't like street vendors blocking my path, so will you 3000 people please go away" attitude is fair?

A little off subject however...

I sit on the beach in Pattaya and wonder in amazement as the police chase away the guys walking along selling food, the fact is if people didn't want to buy food on a beach the vendors would soon go out of business and not come back.

Tourists as a whole from my visits to the beach love the fact that you can eat drink and be merry without leaving your chair and like me they stare in amazement as the police chase them and confiscate the food for a quick slap up lunch back at the station.

Try living in Bali, great clean beaches, but when you are hungry you have to pack up your kit get dressed and walk a mile or 2 to get some food or a drink.

As a whole I think most vendors are as one poster said honest hard working people eaking out a meager existence.. Live and let live..

[Jai Dee]

Bo Bae row continues

Bo Bae street vendors continue protesting at the market as their negotiation with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has failed again.

Sources say BMA has yet ruled whether the dealers can operate at the same place.

The dealers are now waiting for the Bangkok governor Apirak Kosayodhin (อภิรักษ์ โกษะโยธิน) to negotiate with them at the market.

However, BMA says it will send officials to negotiate with them, instead of the governor.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 05 January 2007

[Jai Dee]

Bo Bae dealers request for a negotiation with BKK Governor

Bo Bae street vendors will continue the protest, while requesting for a negotiation with Bangkok governor Apirak Kosayodhin (อภิรักษ์ โกษะโยธิน).

Other district officers had parked the vehicle of their district at Bo Bae market, causing incovenience to Bo Bae street vendors on runing their business. As a result, they decide to hold a rally against the officers and request for a negotiation with BKK Governor, Mr. Wallop Suwandee (วัลลภ สุวรรณดี), BMA deputy governor, and District Chief of the area.

Violence has not taken place during the protest and been under the control of authorities. All roads that head to Kasatseuk intersection have been closed, causing traffic congestion around the area.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 05 January 2007

[Jai Dee]

A vendor of Bo Bae market yells and tries to get loose from a police truck in Mahanak area on Friday. He was among dozens of vendors of the market who protested against the city authorities’ order to move to new area. The vendors and police clashed and the vendors were briefly detained.

Source: The Nation - 5 January 2007

[Jai Dee]

Officials able to occupy most of Bobae Market despite some protest

The officials have taken over 90 percent of the areas in Bobae Market while a few protesting vendors have started to retreat.

Five construction trucks have been dispatched to expedite the excavation in Bobae. At the same time, police officers have occupied more areas in the market while fewer local vendors can be seen as some of the protesting vendors have already been arrested.

Nevertheless, a number of vendors are observing the situation while periodically shouting at the officials for occupying the market. However, no violence has taken place.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 05 January 2007