Bangkok’s Street Food Ban Bad For Tourism

Bangkok’s street food ban is making international headlines and it’s far from a positive stimulator for tourism.

The BMA (Bangkok Metropolitan Authority) has publically said it is aiming to remove all street food vendors within this year.

Reportedly Khao San Road and Yaowarat at the next in line for clearing.

In Phuket the removal of the beach loungers without adequate plans to relocate vendors has been poorly received by tourists.

While in Bangkok, one of the essential underlying themes the TAT (Tourism Authority of Thailand) uses to promo prospective travelers is in fact imagery of street food.

While change is enviable, proactive alternatives such as public markets and venues where street food can be accessed can and should be planned.

Street food remains an integral part of life not only for tourists, but is an important part of the national DNA and cannot simply be removed without a Plan B in place.