Bangkok: Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) unveils a new landmark! Hawker Center at Lumphini Park, elevating Thai street food. Mr. Chatchart Sittipunt, Governor of Bangkok, revealed after visiting the "Hawker Center in Lumpini Park" that Bangkok has begun establishing a "Hawker Center" near Lumpini Park, a public space granted by His Majesty King Vajiravudh for the benefit of the people. The key principle is to not focus on profit, but rather on utilizing the space to its fullest potential for the public. This project stemmed from efforts to organize vendors along Sarasin Road and the areas surrounding Lumpini Park, which previously had a large number of street vendors and faced problems with order and hygiene. Bangkok gradually relocated vendors to designated areas, which were then developed into the Hawker Center, equipped with comprehensive support systems.
According to Thai News Agency, the concept of the Hawker Center is to provide suitable trading spaces for existing street vendors, ensuring their livelihood stability under fair rental rates. The rental rate is set at approximately 60 baht per stall per day, considered an accessible price in the city center. This also helps the public access affordable food. The food center has approximately 130 stalls, divided into morning and evening sales periods, and is equipped with standard utilities.
Governor Chatchart further stated that currently, rights have been allocated to existing vendors affected by the reorganization first, in order to alleviate hardship and ensure continuity in their livelihoods. Measures have also been put in place to control the process, such as prohibiting the transfer or subleasing of rights, and preparations are underway to implement a facial recognition system for identity verification to prevent inappropriate profit-seeking.
Furthermore, Bangkok has plans to develop and improve the area further, such as adding seating areas for eating, installing fans, and providing shade to mitigate the impact of weather. There are also plans to expand the Hawker Center model to other areas in the future to create a network of affordable food sources throughout Bangkok.
In terms of accessibility, the Hawker Center at Lumpini Park is conveniently located, easily accessible by both public transportation and on foot, and also offers nearby parking for users. Simultaneously, it receives support from the private sector, such as the delivery platform "LINE MAN," which provides support in terms of payment systems, shop equipment, and online sales channels, thereby increasing income opportunities for small business owners.
'This project is not just about organization, but about creating opportunities for small retailers to have stability and ensuring that the public has access to clean, affordable food. It stimulates the grassroots economy and builds a long-term identity for the city,' Governor Chatchart said.
This also involves collaboration with the private sector, giving vendors in Hawker Centers the opportunity to reach customers through delivery platforms, reducing their reliance on physical storefronts. This helps increase sales and expand their customer base. This support is provided at no additional cost to vendors, allowing them to focus entirely on improving food quality and service.
The Hawker Center at Lumpini Park is a street food center for everyone, located on Ratchadamri Road, next to Lumpini Park Gate 5 (BTS Sala Daeng Exit 6 and MRT Lumpini Park Exit 1). It brings together popular street food vendors well-known to Lumpini Park residents, including famous vendors like Suan Lum Gate 8's pork blood soup, Suan Lum soy milk, Go Lan's pork leg rice, Yok Sod chicken noodle soup, Tom's fried bananas, and many more. Vendors rotate throughout the day, with two shifts: morning (5:00 AM - 4:00 PM) and evening (4:00 PM - midnight). The food center is designed to blend the unique identity of Bangkok's street food with international standards. The building's design considers the surrounding environment, such as temporarily relocating large trees before returning them after construction, using natural ventilation to reduce air conditioning, and employing muted colors on the roof to minimize glare affecting nearby hospitals.
Furthermore, the organized allocation of shop spaces, each measuring 2x2 meters and accommodating 130 vendors, along with optimized zoning and traffic flow, enhances cleanliness, safety, and the city's image. This makes the Hawker Center both a food center and a public space that reflects modernity, environmental awareness, and sustainably improves the quality of life for its residents.