Will Bangkok’s mission to clear footpaths ruin street-food paradise?

13 Sept 15:52 Key points summarised by AI

Bangkok's BMA is implementing a new regulation to clear footpaths and organize street stalls, aiming to balance pedestrian safety with the city's vibrant street food culture and vendor livelihoods.
The draft plan mandates vendor registration, requiring them to be Thai nationals with an annual income below 180,000 baht, a condition that street vendors widely oppose as unrealistic and potentially forcing dishonesty.
The BMA plans to relocate approximately half of Bangkok's 20,000 street stalls to new hawker centers, inspired by Singapore's model, and will designate wide footpaths for vendors to ensure co-existence with pedestrians.
Despite significant resistance from vendors concerned about their livelihoods, the BMA asserts that these regulations are essential for improving public infrastructure, environmental hygiene, and overall urban order.

Nationwide crackdown launched on illegal nominee shareholders and land holdings

Yesterday 15:20 Key points summarised by AI

Thailand's Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul initiated a nationwide crackdown on illegal Thai nominee shareholders in foreign-run businesses and land holdings to safeguard national interests.
The government will integrate efforts across all relevant agencies to target illicit foreign operations, forced sales of illegally acquired property, and high-risk land ownership schemes.
Key strategies include auditing suspect land and building holdings, establishing a long-term monitoring system, and cross-referencing data from various authorities to trace ultimate beneficial owners.
Prime Minister Anutin emphasized that no influential figures or corrupt officials are above the law, promising straightforward prosecution, asset seizures, and protection for enforcing officers.
Beyond land ownership, the integrated crackdown will also extend to tackle transnational crimes, including drug and human trafficking.