The disorganized, beloved mess of vendors and hawkers selling everything from power tools to action figures in the Khlong Thom area will go out with 2014 as city officials vow to strictly ban any sales on the sidewalk there.
City Hall hopes the move will improve the often-paralyzed traffic blamed on the hectic scene of shoppers and merchants in that part of the Pom Prap Sattru Phai district. The traffic situation strains services at the nearby Klang Hospital, where ambulances often find difficulty passing through the roads.
Some merchants also sell illegal products, said Vallop Suwandee, a top adviser to Bangkok Governor Sukhumbhand Paribatra.
Currently, there are more than 2,000 shops operating in the Khlong Thom area. Some are located inside buildings while others are vendors and hawkers on the sidewalks, according to a survey conducted along Luang, Worajak, Charoen Krung, Suea Pa, Plubplachai, Mahajak, Yomarachsukhum, Srithammathirach and Chaokamrop roads, Police Maj. Gen. Wichai Sangprapai said.
Officials will implement the ban on all sidewalk trading at the year’s start while shops inside buildings may not intrude upon the sidewalk.
“After the New Year (holidays) the Khlong Thom area must be free of illegal trading that intrudes the footpaths,” Wichai said. “Officials have prepared spaces for the merchants to relocate to including Sanam Luang 2 Market and JJ 2 Market.”
The organization of the traffic around Klang Hospital followed complaints made by locals, said Adul Narongsak, deputy commander of Metropolitan Police Bureau.
The officials said they’ll ask for cooperation from the merchants and will invite them to discuss the issue, Matichon reported.
Photo: Aung Sor
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