Chaiwat, the People’s Party candidate for Bangkok governor, led Wang Thonglang district council candidates to campaign on a policy to increase flexible spots for street vendors, aiming to resolve extortion fees and create balance between commuters and traders.
3 June 2026 GMT+7 Mr. Chaiwat Sathaworawijit, the People’s Party candidate for Bangkok governor, , together with Mr. Athikarn Thirawiriyaphon, candidate for the Bangkok Metropolitan Council (BMC) representing Wang Thonglang district from the People’s Party, visited Ramkhamhaeng Soi 53 in Wang Thonglang district to campaign and present their policy for easier trading to local residents.
Mr. Chaiwat said his visit aimed to listen to traffic and pedestrian issues, as well as trading problems in the area. It was found that the use of public space in Ramkhamhaeng Soi 53 faces major problems such as vehicles blocking traffic and street vendors setting up stalls along the road, which affect both road and pedestrian movement in the area.
Previously, Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) organized street vendors on sidewalks to return space to pedestrians, a policy that improved convenience for Bangkok residents. However, some vendors still want to sell in non-designated areas, leading to illegal vending and extortion fee issues. The People’s Party thus designed a policy to create balance between commuters and traders to meet the needs of all Bangkok residents.
The People’s Party’s policy is to increase flexible spots for street vendors so Bangkok residents can access affordable food more easily. The BMA will survey potential spaces for use, such as under expressways, along railway tracks, private properties with owner consent, or abandoned buildings and shophouses, to develop trading areas and revitalize local economies. They also propose incentives for the private sector, such as land and building tax reductions or urban planning benefits, to support setting up more affordable Food Courts across Bangkok.
Regarding street vendor management, the People’s Party will prioritize pedestrian rights by considering the environment and context of each area when designating flexible spots, so as not to affect traffic flow or residents’ quality of life. BMC candidates have engaged with both affected residents and vendor groups to listen to concerns and seek common solutions. A key proposal is to organize vending areas with appropriate locations and operating times.
Mr. Chaiwat concluded that Bangkok must be a city capable of designing rules and managing spaces for everyone to live together. He believes participatory organization will lead to solutions acceptable to all parties and maximize the benefits of public spaces for all Bangkok residents.
