Bangkok’s street food vendors required to pass hygienic training

BANGKOK, May 23 (TNA) – Bangkok authorities are issuing regulations requiring street food vendors to take a two-day training session and a test as part of efforts to boost food hygiene and sanitation for consumer safety. Wallop Suwandee, chief adviser to Bangkok’s governor, said the street vendors must also have regular health checkups and obtain medical certificates from doctors. He added that the requirements have so far been applied to street food stalls in Chinatown, or locally known as Yaowarat Road, and they are welcomed by the vendors. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) therefore plans to regulate the food vendors in nearby areas, particularly those in small alleys later. As for street food stalls on Khao San Road and Rambuttri Road, Mr Wallop said the BMA is working on resolving the issues. Initially, the vendors are neither allowed to set up their food stalls nor place their selling items on pavements. In addition, he noted that the BMA is considering introducing zoning system for street food stalls on Silom’s Convent Road and Rama 4 Road in the heart of the city. (TNA)