BMA targets Bang Kapi vendor curbs

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is moving to regulate street vending at a night market in Bang Kapi district following complaints about overcrowding and traffic.

Bangkok deputy governor Sakoltee Phattiyakul said authorities have reviewed the complaints and agreed that the street vendors in Bang Kapi will have to change the way they do business and might even face relocation.

There are about 100 vendors along the 200-metre stretch, which is not part of the designated spots permitted by BMA for street vending. The market operates from 11pm to 5am.

Pedestrians and motorists in the area complain the vendors hawk on both pavements and road surfaces. They also park their vehicles on the roads to load and unload their goods, causing traffic congestion with two traffic lanes being taken up.

The deputy governor said the Bang Kapi district office is eyeing six locations for a possible relocation and will talk to vendors into relocating to one of these venues.

The BMA is expected to reach an agreement with the vendors within two weeks and authorities will begin inspecting the area early next month, Mr Sakoltee said.

In Phra Nakhon district, the focus is on street vending activities on Tanee Road and Kraisi Road in Bang Lamphu market, he said. While these two streets are designated spots for street vending, some sellers allegedly fail to adhere to the BMA’s requirements.

These requirements include not occupying more than two square metres of pavement and leaving at least one metre of space for people to walk by.

The Phra Nakhon district office will talk to the vendors to ensure compliance.

According to the deputy governor, the BMA also plans to regulate activities on bustling Khao San Road and will ask the vendors to keep one lane free for emergency services.

He said at least one lane must be kept available in case of emergencies such as a fire or an accident, adding the City Hall will inspect the area next Wednesday.