Bangkok’s Street Vendors on the Run
Every day, on Ramkamhaeng road, vendors scream, “Quick, move!” as they shuffle their carts full of souvenirs and snacks into alleys before the police spot them. It’s a frantic dance that has become the norm for Bangkok’s once‑flourishing street‑selling scene.
Background
For decades, Bangkok’s sidewalks were the backbone of its vibrant informal economy. But over the past two years, the city’s authorities have been relocating about 20,000 licensed vendors to what they claim are “better” spots. Their goal: cleaner streets, fewer brooms, and a more orderly city ahead of Thailand’s upcoming general election.
“The pavement is the pavement. It’s not a place to sell things,” said Wanlop Suwandee, the chief adviser to Bangkok’s governor. “We’re doing this earnestly to restore the pavement to the people.”
Vendor Voices
- Lewan Choptha (54) – Souvenir stall owner and protest leader: “They can tidy the streets, but please don’t just push us out entirely.”
- Sea‑food vendor (anonymous) – “The new second‑floor market was a smush, no selling spot. Now I’m chasing loan‑shark bills just to pay the electricity bill.”
More than 1,200 members of the Network of Thai Vendors for Sustainable Development marched to the prime minister’s office on September 4, demanding an end to these evictions and a collaborative solution.
Economic & Cultural Impact
Street vendors aren’t just a tourist attraction; they’re a lifeline. A 2023 Thammasat University survey found that 87 % of participants bought goods from street stalls. This has two big implications:
- Consumers, especially low‑income workers, depend on inexpensive, fresh foods sold all over the city.
- Vendors themselves contribute significantly to the local economy—many of them earn enough to support families, pay school fees, and even manage household utilities.
And it’s not just about cash. The cultural heritage of street vending in Thailand parallels Singapore’s hawker centres. In fact, Singapore recently proposed such street food culture for UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list, highlighting its global importance.
Looking Ahead
While Bangkok’s Clean‑Up Committee claims these moves are “nothing to do with the election,” vendors still feel the heat. The shift to indoor markets and boxed lanes has cut foot traffic dramatically.”
Some are willing to risk a fine of up to 300 baht (≈ $12.60) just to return to their original, bustling storefronts.
Will the city’s plans succeed without hurting livelihoods? Only time, and a bit of creative compromise, will tell.
