Bangkok’s street stall showdown: Pedestrians vs. Vendors

The age-old saga of Bangkok’s bustling streets versus its iconic street stalls continues, with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) at the forefront of a new regulation to solve the decade-long issue of street stalls encroaching on pedestrian paths.

A resident of Bangkok’s Udom Suk area lamented her daily struggle as a pedestrian, echoing the frustrations of many.

“Footpath warfare is real. I end up walking on the road instead.”

She sighed, pointing to the ubiquitous stalls crowding the pavements.

Yet, amidst the chaos, there’s hope. The BMA’s proposed regulation seeks to strike a balance between preserving the livelihoods of street vendors and reclaiming space for pedestrians. Under the draft, vendors must register, with strict income thresholds ensuring assistance for those truly in need.

However, not all are on board with the…