Ever try walking north past Central World from Ratchaprasong intersection? During the evening rush? No, of course you would never even attempt such a silly thing.
To put the “walk” into “walkable,” Bangkok authorities next month will introduce restrictions on street food carts in front of Central World shopping mall on Ratchadamri Road and also the Tha Phrachan area, often crowded with tourists and students, near Sanam Luang and the Chao Phraya River.
Starting Dec. 1, Central World street vendors must clear the sidewalk for two hours each evening, from 5pm to 7pm. During the day they must line the sidewalk in one row; at night two, facing rows will be permitted.
The new regulations being implemented by the Bangkok Metropolitan Authority come after many complaints have been made about how the vendors leave too narrow an isle for pedestrians to walk, said Wichai Sangkraprapai of the BMA.
Currently, there are over 80 carts in the morning and 200 carts in front of Central World. To build the image of discipline, BMA added a another rule which requires all vendors to put up the same color of canvas.
Also, at Tha Prachan and Tha Chang piers, BMA has drawn a zoning line along the road, and street vendors must set up their carts in the restricted area only. From Dec. 1, those who violate the new rules will be fined THB2,000, Daily News reported.
