The Bangkok governor, Chadchart Sittipunt, has announced stringent measures to regulate street vendors, which include monitoring their income, imposing taxes, and eventually eliminating sidewalk vending entirely.
Following a meeting he presided over on Thursday to address the organization of the city’s environs, the governor outlined forthcoming regulations governing street vending and other public spaces.
Under the new guidelines, vendors currently operating in permitted public areas will be required to pay appropriate taxes. Even if their earnings do not meet taxable thresholds, they must register on the national income database and adhere to the tax system.
Vendors who have been conducting businesses in permissible public zones for at least a year and whose monthly earnings surpass 25,000 baht will now need to relocate and find alternative rental spaces to continue their operations.
Furthermore, vendors must adhere to specified locations and ensure cleanliness on the streets. Failure to comply will result in the revocation of street vending permits in the current locations.
Governor Chadchart emphasized the importance of maintaining cleanliness and organization in the city. He assured that in areas where street vendors operate without inconveniencing pedestrians, the designated vending zones would remain accessible.
The proposed measures will undergo public hearings for feedback and potential adjustments before being officially published in the Royal Gazette.
Governor Chadchart reiterated the long-term plan to phase out street vending, directing vendors to transition their businesses to commercial areas. City Hall aims to collaborate with businesses to designate affordable rental spaces for vendors.
According to the governor, this cooperative effort can support vendors in sustaining their livelihoods while ensuring public access to affordable food options.
