In a vibrant and bustling city like Bangkok, keeping order in commercial hotspots requires not just commitment but a mutual understanding among all stakeholders. Today, Bangkok’s Deputy Governor, Jakapun Phiwngam, stepped up to chair a pivotal meeting with top brass from the Department of City Law Enforcement (Tessakit – municipal officials) and district Tessakit heads. The mission? To reinforce a shared dedication to tidiness and orderliness across the city’s commercial landscapes, ensuring they sparkle like polished gemstones amidst the urban hustle.
One of the top mandates hits close to the ground—literally. Vendors are now squarely in charge of sweeping a new broom through their pavements, guaranteeing their spots gleam with cleanliness at the close of every day. As Jakapun, presiding over the 3rd/2025 meeting, emphasized, this move isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s a concrete step towards embodying the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration’s (BMA) policies down to the smallest alley.
“Keeping commercial areas in check is crucial,” he articulated with fervor. “In the grand scheme of things, our district directors and Tessakit heads, scattered across all 50 district strongholds, are pivotal players. They’re the chess pieces we need to manage these zones in strict alignment with the BMA’s grand strategy. It assures us of meeting the stringent criteria, techniques, and conditions outlined for 2024. I call on all Tessakit enforcers to take order implementation to heart, sanctioning ‘lenient zones,’ or ruthlessly revoking trading rights if needed to safeguard pedestrian comfort and safety.”
The summit received an elaborate dossier on the relentless campaign to curate Bangkok’s street vending scene. Back in 2022, the city hosted 86 designated “lenient zones,” bringing together 4,500 vibrant vendors within a legal embrace, while elsewhere, 741 unauthorized trading spots thrived with 16,838 vendors.
Fast forward to 2025, and that picture’s frame has significantly contracted. The lenient zones have dwindled to 59, encompassing a slimmer 3,771 vendors. Simultaneously, the impulsive scatter of unauthorized arenas has thinned to 321 locales, housing 9,920 merchants.
The puppet masters behind these troop movements are a three-tiered committee: district-level pioneers, including the environmental, sanitation, and Tessakit departments, buoyed by vendor and building reps, and at the helm, Tessakit Department gurus alongside the ever-vigilant BMA Inspectors. Their relentless monthly scrutiny since January 2025 ensures nothing falls through the cracks.
Commercial areas that stand up to these gauntlet-style assessments—akin to the gladiators of urban commerce—go through rigorous public consultation, rigorous district committee questioning, and receive the nod from the Metropolitan Police Bureau. Survive this, and they might find themselves anointed as official trading zones or sanctified lenient areas.
But for the laggards, the wheels of justice don’t hesitate to grind. District offices are empowered to endorse “unique identity areas,” potential gems that could be cut free from generalized trading constraints.
The pulse of these evaluations reverberates through 352 commercial areas: 51 met the criteria with flying colors, 301 floundered, 128 heeded the call for lenient zone induction, while 32 faced the guillotine mid-process. District narratives painted proposals for 43 lenient zones, 67 exemptions, 182 commercial area erasures, 42 unique criteria contemplations, and 46 miscellaneous options.
After high-level haggling with the Deputy Governor, the resolutions glistened—42 zones would clutch for lenient status, 64 gloat over criteria exemptions, 188 bow out, 43 enter the bespoke ‘unique identity’ hall, and 43 venture into miscellaneous terra incognita.
Curiously, four Bangkok districts currently stand bereft of any commercial watermark: Sai Mai, Khlong Sam Wa, Phra Khanong, and Bangkok Yai.
Moreover, a choreographed sweep is in the works for vendors to muster and cleanse their domains as the clock strikes closing time or, more convivially, every Monday, now hailed as a trading Sabbath. Culinary stalls must also toe the line—encouraged to set grease traps, habitually rinse utensils and gear, and maintain up-to-date vendor paperwork, IDs, and QR imprints.
The dialogue swerved to another pressing issue—the veritable graveyard of vehicles littered throughout Bangkok. A meticulous tally from January 1, 2020, through June 30, 2025, pegged 1,631 abandoned vehicles. Among these, 1,355 experienced owner rescues, while 276 found solace in district repossession. Notably, fines whistled in at 153,500 baht for 75 offenders, and a bonanza of 855,200 baht arose from auctioning 125 relocations. Currently, 65 forlorn metal carcasses languish at the Nong Khaem Waste Disposal Centre.
The city’s eyes extend beyond wheels, tooling up with the BMA AI Camera system to catch motorcyclists galloping illegally along footpaths. It’s a brisk, concerted effort not just to quell vehicle misuse but to tackle derelict lots, wrestle down waste outlaws and preserve the rustic sanctity of public parks—all in the day’s admirable endeavor.
I think Jakapun Phiwngam’s initiative to keep Bangkok clean is long overdue. Cities need to take action against unauthorized vendors to maintain order.
While order is important, don’t you think this could negatively impact the livelihoods of many vendors?
Good point, John, but sometimes tough measures are necessary for the greater good. The city should provide alternative solutions for displaced vendors.
As a local, I appreciate the cleanliness but worry this might lead to gentrification, pushing out local culture. Balancing cleanliness with preserving street life is critical.
Exactly! The streets are where you really experience the culture. Losing that just for the sake of cleanliness seems extreme.
Yes, it’s about finding that middle ground that maintains vibrancy without sacrificing public health and aesthetics.
The initiative for keeping commercial areas clean is great, but what about sustainability? Are they considering recycling or reducing waste?
Good question, Sue. Implementing recycling programs can definitely help minimize waste while maintaining cleanliness.
Exactly, Chatchai. Hope they consider holistic plans that protect the environment too.
I’m pleased to see that action is being taken on abandoned vehicles. They are such an eyesore and safety hazard.
Agreed, Tanya. But what about providing adequate parking spaces to prevent future abandonments?
That’s a valid point, Harrison. Better urban planning is needed to tackle the root issues.
It’s commendable that the authorities are doing something about illegal motorcycle use on sidewalks. It’s dangerous for pedestrians.
I think they should enforce stricter penalties for those caught using sidewalks. It’s about deterrence.
Penalties are a deterrent, Rey, but educating drivers about pedestrian safety is equally important.
The reduction in lenient zones might help in organizing street vending, but is this really the best approach?
Perhaps organizing the vendors into designated areas with proper sanitation facilities would be an inclusive approach.
It’s interesting that some districts don’t have any commercial zones. I wonder if this is a choice or a missed opportunity.
It could be that they want to promote different types of development or maintain the residential nature of those areas.
While the focus is on vendors and motorcyclists, what about the pollution and noise levels in the city?
Addressing cleanliness is just a start, but noise pollution needs to be tackled too.
Street vending is a key part of our identity. Regulations should protect and promote our local heritage.
Absolutely, Somchai. Regulations should accommodate rather than eliminate street vendors.
Exactly, Vee! We need creative solutions that work for everyone.
The initiatives sound promising, but how will they enforce these rules long-term?
Martina, consistent enforcement and public awareness campaigns can ensure long-lasting effectiveness.
Monday being a trading Sabbath sounds interesting. Gives streets a breather once a week.
BubbaG, it’s a creative way to strike a balance without hurting vendors too much.
The fine collection and auctioning system for abandoned vehicles seem to be effective. But is the money reinvested into public amenities?
Good question! Hopefully, the revenue is used to further improve city infrastructure.
The integration of AI cameras for rule enforcement is innovative! This could really help curb traffic issues.