BMA clerk Chakkaphan Piew-ngarm said BMA representatives and agencies in charge of city districts would hold a brainstorming session tomorrow to decide on a plan of action. He noted that the attendees would also assess whether restrictions recently imposed at Pak Klong Flower Market were working or not.
Although vendors at Pak Klong are still permitted to use pavements, they are restricted to designated areas which do not impede the flow of foot traffic. Another stipulation is that any unloading or loading of vehicles is carried out between 20:30 and 04:30 the following morning.
Market stalls, parked motorcycles and motorcyclists taking shortcuts to dodge traffic jams are a more common sight on quite a few of Bangkok’s streets than pedestrians. People who wish to walk are often reduced to stepping down into the road to bypass the many obstacles blocking pavements.
BMA officers have already successfully evicted traders from street markets at Saphan Lek and Klong Thom. Bangkok’s colourful markets are a major tourism attraction for visitors. Despite the crackdown on markets there are still plenty left. Chatuchak Weekend Market is the flagship of them.
Bangkok ups ante in campaign to give footpaths back to pedestrians
News in Asia
Bangkok’s municipal authorities have announced additional measures in the ongoing campaign to return Bangkok’s footpaths to pedestrians. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has confirmed that it will hold a meeting with the aim of removing market stalls from Pratunam and key roads including New Petchaburi and Ratchathevi.