BMA lets vendors back on the streets

City Hall on Tuesday started to allow vendors back on footpaths in selected areas after 600 vending areas throughout Bangkok were scrapped two years ago under the "pavement-management policy" of the now-dissolved National Council for Peace and Order.

The plan aimed to make footpaths orderly but instead had adverse effects on both vendors and customers.

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) will allow vendors back on footpaths in five areas of four districts by March, Bangkok governor Aswin Kwanmuang said.

Pol Gen Aswin said the BMA will gradually allow vendors to sell food at the locations under certain regulations and after all the selection procedures are completed.

The permitted areas are Soi Bang Khunthian 69 in Bang Khunthian district, Saleeratthawipak Road in Phaya Thai district, an area near Pata Department Store in Bang Phlat district, a location close to Central Plaza Pinklao, and near Tesco Lotus Pinklao in Bangkok Noi district, Pol Gen Aswin said.

Pol Gen Aswin said the BMA will select vendors according to its criteria which require applicants to be low-income earners or be holders of government welfare cards.