Khao San road market make-over set for August 1

“Khao San Road and its surrounding area is an accident waiting to happen.” This scary outlook from the deputy governor of Bangkok.

He says that the area is so cluttered with vendors, pathway stores, market stalls and alcohol shops that emergency vehicles would find it difficult to gain access if any emergency were to occur.

A meeting was held on Monday where the problem was discussed and a decision made to clear the vendors out of the tourist strip.

The deputy governor Sakonthee Pattiyakun says that an alternative area will be zoned off – a tented area has been suggested.

“An emergency lane is going to be set up to allow access for ambulances, fire engines and the like.”

The deputy governor says that he and his teams had surveyed the Khao Sarn, Rambutree, Sipsamhaeng, Tanao Road and sub-sois over a period of two to three weeks.

“Everything was fine by day but as soon as the sun went down the area was a confused mess, Sakonthee,” according to a report in Matichon.

City Hall are planning to start the new street layout from August 1. Vendors, so far, haven’t responded to the Khao San market make-over.