The Governor of Bangkok discussed regulating street vendors, emphasizing that sidewalks are not permanent business areas, no new vendors will be accepted, tables on sidewalks are prohibited, and vendors are encouraged to legally lease private spaces or shophouses to operate.
On 2 Nov 2026 GMT+7, Mr. Chadchart Sittipunt, Governor of Bangkok, chaired the first 2026 meeting of the Bangkok Order Maintenance Committee at the Rattanakosin Room, Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) City Hall (Sao Chingcha). This followed the appointment of the new committee (BMA Order No. 3856/2566). Mr. Pornprom Na S. Wikitset, Deputy Governor of Bangkok, along with BMA executives, committee members, and experts from relevant sectors also attended.
Governor Chadchart emphasized key policy directions on street vendor regulation, stating that work must balance citizens’ livelihoods with pedestrian rights and urban order. He pointed out that public spaces belong to everyone, not just the BMA. Therefore, usage must prioritize the majority of people, commuters, children, and people with disabilities to ensure convenient and safe travel first.
Additionally, Governor Chadchart reiterated the core concept that sidewalks are not permanent business areas (Transition Period). Allowing sidewalk vending is only a temporary relief measure during this transition. The BMA has no policy to promote or increase street vendors in public spaces and will cap the number of vendors, not accepting new ones. Only existing vendors before now can sell, and no new sidewalk vendors will be allowed under any circumstances. The goal is to move vendors off public space and encourage them to trade legally in private leased areas, shophouses, or food centers (Hawker Centers), and enter the tax system, which offers more stable long-term livelihoods than relying on sidewalk spaces.
At the meeting, 15 trading points across seven districts (Bang Rak, Pom Prap Sattru Phai, Ratchathewi, Chatuchak, Lat Krabang, Samphanthawong, and Phra Nakhon) were reviewed. Emphasis was placed on enforcing safety, cleanliness, prohibiting dining tables on sidewalks (promoting take-away only), and organizing stall and umbrella layouts neatly. The committee approved cancelling four concession points in three districts (Khlong San, Bang Na, and Lat Phrao) because some no longer have vendors and to return sidewalk space to the public for easier passage.