Bangkok (Thailand) – April 24, 2017 (travelindex.com) – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) assures all international tourists and travelers that Bangkok remains a top street food destination. This comes amid recent articles in the Thai and international press reporting that the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) plans to ban food stalls from Bangkok's main streets.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has contacted the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) and determined that while measures exist to monitor food vendors and enforce regulations, there is no general ban on street food sales. The BMA recognizes that food vendors are an important part of Bangkok's identity and have contributed to CNN's ranking of Bangkok as one of the 23 best cities in the world for street food. The BMA stated it will support and advise the city's street vendors to help them improve hygiene standards, enhance food safety, and adhere to proper waste disposal procedures.

To ensure the safety and comfort of all road users and pedestrians, the BMA implements measures regarding sidewalk and road blockages and works with the Metropolitan Police Bureau and its traffic division to ensure that key pedestrian walkways are clear of the food carts, chairs and parasols used by many street vendors in the city.

This means that in the busiest areas of Bangkok, traders have been required to move to designated zones and nearby markets in order to conduct their business.

Popular tourist streets like Yaowarat Road and Khao San Road in Chinatown are not affected. However, in these areas, special attention is being paid to ensuring that vendors comply with international hygiene standards.

To this end, and subject to government approval, the BMA intends to implement the following measures: – Introducing uniform hygiene standards for food preparation and service, and rigorously enforcing them. – Ensuring that staff participate in the BMA's food safety training programs and pass examinations before receiving a license. – The BMA will enforce measures for waste disposal and the cleaning of bowls and cutlery used by customers.

International Public Relations Department, Tourism Authority of Thailand, 1600 New Petchaburi Road, Makkasan, Ratchathevi, Bangkok 10400, Thailand, Tel.: +66 (0) 2250 5500 ext. 4545-48, Fax: +66 (0) 2250 0246, E-mail: [email protected]

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