Bangkok Post – First hawker centre in central Bangkok a success

“Sales are steady, even though the space is not yet fully operational, as many vendors have not returned from the Songkran holidays,” said the owner of a slow-cooked chicken noodle shop. “We still see regular customers at their usual times, especially after morning workouts and during late-night hours.”

Vendors who previously struggled with relocation and informal street fees shared their relief: “I feel much more secure now that I can manage my savings properly. I no longer have to worry about unexpected costs during forced closures or unofficial payments.”

“The six-month rental agreement helps instil discipline among vendors,” said a beverage stall owner. “Some vendors may try to bypass regulations by selling undeclared items, but with proper supervision, those who violate the rules will not have their contracts renewed.”

BENEFITS FOR EVERYONE

Since the centre’s launch on April 10, as part of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration’s (BMA) broader effort to reorganise sidewalks, this urban planning initiative has improved walkability and access, particularly for the elderly and people with disabilities.

Pedestrians have had to negotiate spaces with vendors for decades on the narrow, wet sidewalks, often covered in grease from the stalls.

The concept draws inspiration from Singapore’s hawker centre model, which brings together street food vendors within a shared space featuring communal seating and affordable pricing.

This system has been recognised by Unesco as a form of Intangible Cultural Heritage.

The development of Singapore-style hawker centres forms part of the BMA’s broader policy framework introduced four years ago, comprising more than 216 initiatives across nine strategic areas: safety, transparency, economic development, transport, environmental sustainability, public health, social development, education, and governance.

“The existing hawker centres in Bangkok are located near the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) headquarters, while another operates beneath the Ploenchit Expressway,” said BMA spokesman Aekvarunyoo Amrapala.

“At present, three to four additional full-scale centres are in the design phase, with Lumpini designated as the first major project within the central business district.”

During the soft launch period, the BMA spokesman and his team, in collaboration with key partners such as LINE MAN Wongnai, conducted on-site observations to assess various constraints, particularly in relation to seating configuration and spatial efficiency.

“The BMA team is working to reorganise the seating layout,” he noted. “Feedback from vendors indicates visitors tend to cluster in specific areas, resulting in congestion during peak hours.”

The facility accommodates 110 stalls offering freshly prepared meals, dried goods, snacks, and apparel.

“Most vendors are existing operators, and they have been well received by the public since the first day of operation,” he added. “Observations during the launch period indicated strong demand.”

“BMA policy is designed to foster mutually beneficial outcomes for vendors and regulators, rather than merely providing physical space,” he said. “The hawker centre incorporates modern infrastructure to support the needs of the BMA, vendors, and consumers alike.”