Street food drama

> News that Bangkok’s thriving hawker scene is under threat has spread – but there are doubts about whether it’s actually happening

would show unique designs, and traffic flows would be facilitated to prevent congestion”.

The Post’s article does mention that street vendors have been removed from 431 locations in Bangkok; but this is reported in the context of bigger plans to improve the city.

There is no suggestion of there being a ban in the areas mentioned.

Thai natives are similarly sceptical about the alleged ban.

Chin Chongtong, founder of Chili Paste Tour, which provides food and culture tours of Bangkok, said the ‘ban’ had been wildly misreported.

“I think now is too early to say what is really going on,” she told The Independent. “I’ve seen many articles by the foreign press saying ‘Bangkok bans all street food’ – that is ridiculous and untrue.

“Even if all vendors are cleared from main roads, they can still sell in many markets and small streets.

“And if they can move around, for instance if they have wheels on their cart, or even if buildings let them sell out front on private land, there’s no problem – that’s how I understand it anyway.”

Chongtong said locals believe it is a matter of regulation rather than prohibition.

She added: “I’m hearing people say today that vendors will be allowed to sell on footpaths at Yaowarat and other places after 7pm. A lot of streets in Bangkok have had this rule for over a year. We will soon see what is really going on.”

Holiday companies, meanwhile, are convinced that, ban or no ban, the capital will adapt and flourish.

Louise Nathan, product and innovation manager for Thailand specialist Selective Asia, said: “If it’s true that the street food vendors will be banned, it’s a real shame.

“But equally, the Thai people are so entrepreneurial they always find a way to get around the changes that don’t suit.

“Street food won’t disappear – people will find creative ways around the new rules, as they always have done.

“My feeling is that officials might focus on key areas where vendors will be prohibited, but there will be other areas that they can still do it.

“And a lot of the same food can be found in covered markets and floating markets around the city.”

Even with a potential regulatory crackdown on the horizon, there seems little danger that Bangkok’s distinctive street food scene will disappear from the city. – The Independent