News

Bangkok Bans Street Vending at Key Locations to Enhance Public Space

Published

22 hours ago

January 8, 2025

Wadi

Street Vending Canceled in Pathumwan District

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has officially canceled street vending at two significant locations in the Pathumwan district to maintain safe, clean, and accessible pavements. This decision comes as part of ongoing efforts to reorganize public spaces and improve the overall urban environment.

Locations Affected by the Ban

The two locations impacted by this ban include Ton Son on Ploenchit Road, which previously hosted 17 vendors, and the area in front of the Siam Scape building, where nine vendors operated. These changes took effect on January 1, 2025, as part of the BMA’s initiative to enhance pedestrian safety and urban cleanliness.

Future Plans for Erawan Shrine Area

In addition to these changes, the BMA plans to engage in discussions with three flower vendors located near the Erawan Shrine at the Ratchaprasong intersection. The goal is to reorganize this public space further and minimize traffic disruptions in the area, ensuring a smoother flow for both pedestrians and vehicles.

Current Vendor Regulations in Pathumwan

Despite these cancellations, there are currently 13 areas within Pathumwan district where a total of 222 vendors are permitted to operate. Previously, the district office established two hawker centers capable of accommodating 122 vendors at Lumpini Park Gate 5 and at the Ratchadamri intersection.

Inspections and Compliance

On Monday, Deputy Bangkok Governor Jakkapan Phiewngam, along with BMA’s deputy permanent secretary Supakrit Boonkhan, inspected the affected sites and visited vending zones in the Bang Rak district to ensure compliance with regulations. This proactive approach aims to uphold public orderliness and hygiene standards among authorized vendors.

Previous Actions Against Street Vending

In October 2024, the BMA had already taken steps to cancel street vending along a stretch of Silom Road, moving vendors from Silom Soi 12 to Silom Soi 10. In Bang Rak district alone, there are currently 32 areas where 618 street vendors are allowed to operate.

Commitment to Public Safety

Mr. Jakkapan emphasized the importance of strictly enforcing bans on vending in prohibited areas while ensuring that vendors in authorized zones adhere to established standards. This initiative reflects Bangkok’s commitment to balancing street vendor activities with public safety and urban aesthetics.

Enhancing Bangkok’s Urban Environment

The recent cancellation of street vending at key locations in Bangkok underscores the city’s ongoing efforts to improve public spaces while ensuring safety for pedestrians. As discussions continue regarding vendor operations near significant landmarks like the Erawan Shrine, it is clear that maintaining an organized and clean urban environment remains a top priority for city officials.

News

Transport Ministry Enhances Support for Travelers as Passenger Numbers Surge by 14%

Published

3 hours ago

January 8, 2025

Wadi

Significant Increase in Airport Passengers During New Year

The Transport Ministry has directed the Department of Airports (DoA) to implement additional measures to support travelers following a notable increase in passenger numbers during the New Year period. According to Deputy Minister of Transport Manaporn Charoensri, the DoA reported that from December 27 to January 2, a total of 319,275 passengers traveled through airports, marking a 14.12% increase compared to the same timeframe last year.

Overview of Airports Under DoA Management

The DoA oversees 26 airports, primarily handling domestic flights to popular destinations such as Krabi, Khon Kaen, and Lampang. Additionally, six major international gateways, including Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, and Phuket airports, are managed by Airports of Thailand (AoT).

Smooth Transportation Services Reported

Ms. Manaporn noted that public transport services from the airports to cities and tourist attractions operated smoothly during this busy period. Passengers expressed satisfaction with the services provided, which include the “Living Airports” project aimed at enhancing airport experiences by integrating local products and heritage into the airport environment.

Implementation of Enhanced Safety Measures

In response to the increased passenger volume, the ministry has ordered the DoA to introduce more measures to ensure passenger safety and convenience. This includes accelerating the installation of an Explosives Detection System (EDS) at all airports under its jurisdiction. Currently, EDS has been implemented at 22 airports, enhancing security protocols for checked baggage.

Future Plans for Automatic Check-In Systems

The DoA is also set to implement an automatic check-in system designed to expedite the check-in process for travelers. In addition, there are plans to increase the number of daily flights to accommodate rising demand during peak travel periods.

Passenger Statistics from Krabi Airport

According to Danai Raungsorn, DoA director-general, Krabi Airport recorded the highest number of passengers during the New Year holiday, serving 72,620 travelers. Other airports with significant passenger traffic included Udon Thani Airport (41,785), Khon Kaen Airport (33,562), Ubon Ratchathani Airport (31,048), and Surat Thani Airport (29,779).

Commitment to Improving Travel Experience

The Transport Ministry’s proactive measures aim to enhance the travel experience for passengers as air travel demand continues to rise. With ongoing improvements in airport services and safety protocols, travelers can expect a more efficient and enjoyable journey through Thailand’s airports in the coming months.

News

Traffic Disruption in Bangkok: Flyover Closed for Orange Line Construction

Published

3 hours ago

January 8, 2025

Wadi

Closure of Charan Sanitwong Road Flyover

Motorists are facing significant delays as the flyover crossing Charan Sanitwong Road in the Bangkok Noi district has been closed since 10 PM on Monday. This closure is part of the ongoing construction for the Orange Line electric railway system, specifically for the Bang Khun Non underground station.

Details of the Construction Project

According to Kittikorn Tanpao, Deputy Governor of the Mass Rapid Transit Authority (MRTA), the closure will last for at least two years to facilitate construction work. The underground station will be located beneath the intersection where Charan Sanitwong Road crosses Liap Thang Rotfai Taling Chan Road and Sutthawat Road. Reconstruction of the flyover is scheduled to begin in December 2026, with completion expected by June 2028.

Traffic Management and Alternative Routes

During this closure, only one inbound and one outbound lane will remain open on both Liap Thang Rotfai Taling Chan Road and Sutthawat Road. To mitigate traffic congestion, the MRTA has provided alternative routes for motorists.

Suggested Routes for Travelers

To Siriraj Hospital from Ratchapruek Road: Motorists can take Borommaratchachonnani Road, continue to Somdet Phra Pin Klao Road, and then turn onto Arun Amarin Road.
Alternatively, they can use Phran Nok–Phutthamonthon Sai 4 Road, followed by Phran Nok Road and then Wang Lang Road to reach their destination.

For those heading to Siriraj Hospital from Liap Thang Rotfai Taling Chan Road, they can turn onto Chim Phli Road, then to Kaeo Ngoen Thong and Soi Charan Sanitwong 35, eventually reaching Wang Lang Road.

Commitment to Public Safety

The MRTA has assured the public that it is committed to minimizing environmental and traffic impacts during this construction phase. The agency is working diligently to ensure that safety protocols are followed while maintaining access for motorists.

Navigating Traffic Disruptions

As Bangkok undergoes significant infrastructure improvements with the Orange Line project, motorists are advised to plan their routes accordingly to avoid delays. The temporary closure of the Charan Sanitwong flyover highlights the ongoing efforts to enhance public transportation in the city while managing traffic flow effectively.

News

600,000 High School Students to Receive Tablets by June 2025

Published

3 hours ago

January 8, 2025

Wadi

Education Ministry’s Initiative to Enhance Learning Accessibility

The Thai Education Ministry has announced an ambitious plan to distribute tablets to approximately 600,000 high school students by June 2025. This initiative aims to provide students with the tools they need to learn anytime and anywhere, promoting educational equity across the country.

Details of the Tablet Distribution Plan

Siripong Angkasakulkiat, an assistant to the education minister and ministry spokesman, shared that the tablets are part of a broader effort to reduce educational inequality. The ministry is currently drafting the terms of reference (ToR) for procurement, focusing on ensuring the functionality and effectiveness of the devices. The ToR is expected to be finalized this month, allowing for delivery to commence by late May or early June, coinciding with the start of the 2025 academic year.

Expansion Plans for Future Fiscal Years

Looking ahead, Mr. Siripong indicated that in the 2026 fiscal year, the program will expand to include additional groups of students. This will encompass junior high students at schools where staff will be familiar with managing such devices by that time, as well as all remaining high school students.

Content Development and Device Leasing

The content that will be included in the tablets was developed during the 2024 fiscal year and is set for trial this month. The tablets will be leased by the Education Ministry, ensuring that students have access to up-to-date educational materials.

A Step Towards Modernizing Education

This initiative marks a significant step towards modernizing education in Thailand and addressing disparities in access to learning resources. By equipping students with tablets, the Education Ministry aims to empower them in their educational journeys and prepare them for a digitally-driven future. As this program unfolds, it will be crucial to monitor its implementation and impact on student learning outcomes across the nation.