Khlong Toei street vendors must vacate by March 16
Street food vendors at Khlong Toei Market 1 have been instructed to vacate by March 16 to enhance the visual appeal and pedestrian pathways along Ratchadaphisek Road in Bangkok’s Khlong Toei subdistrict.
Deputy Bangkok Governor Jakkapan Phiewngam is leading the initiative and recently conducted an inspection of the area in preparation for the transition.
On Saturday, March 2, Governor Jakkapan was joined by Deputy Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) Permanent Secretary Supakrit Boonkhant and Khlong Toei district officials to outline necessary tasks, including the demolition of infrastructure along the section connecting Rama IV Road and Sunthon Kosa Road.
Approximately 35 vendors, situated at the front of Khlong Toei Market 1 from Phek Leng Keng Shrine to Rama IV Road, are required to move their stalls. These vendors offer a variety of street food, including pork blood soup, BBQ pork rice, crispy pork, sweets, and fresh produce.
Concerns about hygiene have been highlighted, with claims that improper waste disposal has obstructed local drainage, contributing to unsanitary conditions.
Additionally, the water used for cleaning food items and utensils creates slippery, greasy pavements, resulting in unpleasant odours and the build-up of harmful bacteria.
Vendors must relocate to the inner areas of Khlong Toei Markets 1 and 2 or other nearby markets by March 16. Post-relocation, work will start on making the pavement more accessible for pedestrians, reported Bangkok Post.
Previously, the BMA relocated vendor stalls from the footpath at a section of Khlong Toei Market 2, known as the Lao Market, along Rama IV Road to enhance the area’s infrastructure and aesthetics. This relocation took place between December and January.
The district office plans to establish new hawker centres to provide vendors with more organised spaces to continue their businesses, according to the BMA.
In similar news, Bangkok’s iconic street food scene is set for a major shake-up as City Hall introduces strict new regulations allowing only “poor Thais” to operate as vendors. Signed by Governor Chadchart Sittipunt, the controversial rules ban migrant workers and impose strict eligibility criteria.
Once published in the Royal Gazette, the regulations will take effect, according to BMA spokesperson Aekvarunyoo Amrapala.
To qualify, vendors must be Thai nationals with government welfare cards, own National Housing Authority properties, receive welfare allowances, and have an annual income under 300,000 baht after expenses. The move has sparked debate over its impact on Bangkok’s famed street food culture.
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