Bangkok city hall to ban pavement vendors on Khao San road

BANGKOK, July 31 (TNA) – The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) will start implementation of the ban on pavement stalls on Khao San road, the backpacker haven in the capital tomorrow. Deputy Bangkok governor, Sakoltee Phattiyakul held talks with Khao San vendors today, but no conclusion was made during the two-hour meeting. He confirmed that the new regulations will be put into effect tomorrow. He reiterated that the BMA does not ban vendors from Khao San road but will limit the number of stalls for orderliness and cleanliness in this tourist area. The vendors said they would not obstruct officials’ operation but will set up their stalls as usually. They also plan to lodge complains to the Prime Minister’s Office and the Ombudsman Office after the BMA decided to go ahead with the plan. Under the new regulation, the BMA will ban stalls on the pavement and will allow them to set up their stalls on Khao San road during the limited trading hours from 6 pm to midnight. It will also designate the zoning for vendors to separate those selling cloths, bags and shoes from sellers of food and beverage. (TNA)