On Wednesday, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration said that Chinatown will get a new look to enhance its reputation as a street food destination.
Deputy Bangkok governor, Sakoltee Phattiyakul, said the BMA has already met government agencies to discuss the facelift planned for Chinatown along Yaowarat Road, with the objective of improving the area’s standing as the capital city’s street food hub.
At the meeting, it was agreed that a metal guardrail will be installed on a 400-metre stretch of pavement between the Chalerm Buri and Ratchawong intersections, to help pedestrians.
Meanwhile, the 1.8-km-long stretch of road from the 22nd July roundabout to Ratchawong Road will have its lanes reduced to three, as the pavement will be widened to accommodate street vendors and pedestrians, Mr Phattiyakul added.
The Public Works and City Planning departments will present their plan to improve the road at a meeting of Samphanthawong district officials, scheduled for Tuesday.
Mr Phattiyakul also said the National Science and Technology Development Agency will help by designing environmentally-friendly food carts for Yaowarat vendors, which will have a grease trap to treat wastewater before it is discharged into the sewers.
Around 100 carts in three basic models will be given to Samphanthawong district office, which will distribute them to vendors according to the kind of food they sell, he said.
The carts will be paid for by the government and the Government Savings Bank.
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