Bangkok Upgrades Klong Toey Market: Wider Sidewalks, Better Access
Bangkok’s bustling Klong Toey Market is undergoing a significant transformation as the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) revitalizes its surrounding pedestrian walkways. Following the demolition of the Rim Khlong Hua Lamphong Market, colloquially known as Talat Lao, the BMA is investing in sidewalk repairs and improvements scheduled for completion by April. This initiative aims to restore order, cleanliness, and accessibility to one of the capital’s oldest and most vibrant fresh markets.
Talat Lao, a street-side extension of Klong Toey Market, occupied over 100 meters of pedestrian space along Rama IV Road for nearly two decades. Established in 2005 as a temporary vendor zone, it housed nearly 100 stalls specializing primarily in northeastern Thai cuisine. However, its presence increasingly became contentious. Pedestrians were forced to navigate the busy road, risking accidents, while vendors were accused of contributing to pollution and hygiene issues by discarding waste directly into the adjacent canal.
The Klong Toey District Office formally revoked the temporary vendor permits in August 2018. Vendors, however, continued operating until December of the following year. After several months of notices and warnings, the district office, supported by the Department of City Law Enforcement and local police, reclaimed the occupied area. Most vendors subsequently returned to their home provinces or relocated within the main Klong Toey Market.
This revitalization project, spearheaded by Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt, is part of a larger strategy to regulate street vendors citywide. Somjet Kaewklay, Chief of the City Law Enforcement Section at the Klong Toey District Office, described the initiative as «the beginning of an effort to enhance the landscape around Klong Toey Market.» Improvements extend beyond Rama IV Road, encompassing all surrounding sidewalks. New cement pavements and wheelchair-accessible ramps are being installed, adhering to universal design principles.
Beyond aesthetics, the project emphasizes practicality and improved traffic flow. The initiative, costing several million baht, includes designated parking areas to reduce congestion for shoppers and delivery vehicles. This investment promises significant returns, transforming the market’s previously unappealing exterior into a more organized and welcoming space.
Long-time market patrons like 57-year-old Chaturon Hundee welcome the changes. Recalling childhood visits with his father, he remembers navigating wet, dirty, and overcrowded walkways. He expressed satisfaction with the improvements, highlighting the enhanced pedestrian experience.
Wittaya Saejung, a pork vendor with over 30 years of experience at Klong Toey Market, while sympathetic to the relocated vendors, supports the renovations. He highlighted the crucial need for designated delivery truck parking to alleviate traffic congestion and suggested the presence of officials to maintain order, especially given the increasing number of international tourists.
This revitalization project is part of a wider BMA initiative to address unauthorized street vending across Bangkok. Jakkapan Phiewngam, Deputy Governor of Bangkok overseeing street vendor policies, explained the city’s ongoing efforts to reclaim public spaces and maintain cleanliness. While the number of authorized vending areas has drastically decreased over the years, unlawful street vending remains a challenge. The BMA remains committed to restoring order and cleanliness to Bangkok’s streets, using the Klong Toey Market project as a model for future interventions. This initiative represents a positive step towards balancing the vibrancy of Bangkok’s street markets with the needs of pedestrians and the overall urban environment.
