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New law makes street food in Bangkok illegal

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The Thai capital makes a shock decision.

Bangkok is perhaps best known for its street food, but under a new ruling from Thai authorities that may all be about to change after it has been announced vendors will now be banned from all major roads. The government has cited the roadside cuisine’s disruptive and unhygienic practices as the major reasoning behind their shattering decision.

“Officials are working to get rid of stalls from all 50 districts in Bangkok,” said Bangkok’s chief government adviser, Wanlop Suwandee. “There will be no let-up in this operation. Every street vendor will have to move out.” It’s believed that push-cart vendors will still be accepted, but semi-permanent stalls (especially those with seating) will be moved along.

Street vendors will be tolerated to some extent, as long as they do not block sidewalks,  district chief Boontham Huiprasert explained further to The Guardian. “If they can find a place to set up their shop without obstructing the sidewalk, such as behind the railing of the Thong Lor police station or some other private building, that would be ok too,” he said.

But what this will mean for Thai tourism is still left to be determined, which makes up 15% of the economy, with international crowds largely drawn to the capital’s booming food options.

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