Bangkok street food vendors face an uncertain future as city officials clear footpaths and relocate sellers to hawker centres or designated market stalls across commercial districts [1]. In recent years, the Bangkok government has steadily moved to remove vendors from kerbsides to improve order and pedestrian flow in packed areas [1].
The crackdown impacts the street food culture that has long defined the Thai capital, putting vendor livelihoods at risk. Forty-five-year-old seller Looknam Sinwirakit, who sells fried glutinous rice cakes priced at 50 baht each, said she was worried because her vending was illegal under current rules [1]. Sinwirakit said she has been fined 1,000 baht (about US$30) for obstructing the street while selling her snacks [1].
"I am worried because we are here illegally," she said. "Vendors need to earn a living. It’s not fair just to evict us, but if they tell us to [leave] then we have to," Sinwirakit added, underscoring the precarious position of many sellers [1].
The authorities aim to clear crowded sidewalks and channel vendors into specific markets or hawker centres, but many sellers and supporters argue the move disregards their rights and undermines the informal economy that feeds a large part of the city population. Enforcement continues as the government enforces the rules throughout the city [1].
