Fake experts?

I read the news article “Street vendors rules ‘hurting tourism’”, published in the Nov 27 edition, with interest. In it, a Mr Adisak Guntamuanglee, described in it as an “expert”, is reported as giving a seminar at Thammasat University where he claims that clearing street vendors from Bangkok sidewalks is hurting tourism. However, as no evidence from any survey of tourists is given, one much assume this opinion is hardly academic and is therefore mere worthless subjective conjecture. The reality is, without a proper survey, no one knows. Perhaps he might take the time to do one.

In addition, nothing is said in the article to explain why he should be regarded as an “expert” (I note he is described as plain “mister” and so presumably has no doctorate and may not even have a relevant degree for all we know — he might just be an undergraduate).

Finally, Mr Adisak says that “sidewalks are not only intended for pedestrians”. Sidewalks, Mr Adisak, are not constructed for vendors, but for people to walk in safety on. That is why they are called “sidewalks” and not “street food vendor areas”. If he bothered to actually talk to some tourists (I strongly suspect he has not), then he would quickly find out there is no attraction in risking being mown down by Thai traffic because they can’t walk on the sidewalks.

Please can we be spared any more ridiculous and subjective opinions from such so-called “experts”. ANDY PHILLIPS