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Thais have a culture of eating outdoors, which is why street vendors are an integral part of Bangkok's vibrant streets.
Street vendors in Bangkok can earn 500 baht (US$12) a day, a sum even higher than the salary of a well-dressed receptionist in luxury hotels in the Thai capital.
Along with the residents of Bangkok's suburbs, many Vietnamese people are also involved in street vending. This man, originally from Ha Tinh province, has been selling goods on the streets of Bangkok for quite some time. He pushes a cart selling chilled coconuts and fruit. His selling spot is Trai Mit Temple, a place visited daily by many Vietnamese tourists.
To become a legal resident in Thailand for a limited time, he had to pay the local authorities 4,900 baht each month, which covered insurance, accommodation, security, etc. Upon payment, the authorities would issue a small piece of paper with illegible writing and numbers, like a code, containing his full name, nationality, temporary residence, occupation, and other details.
Besides the fees they have to pay to the local authorities, the couple has to rent a house for 3,500 baht near Trai Mit Temple for convenience in buying and selling goods. During their free time, when needed, his wife takes over selling, while he helps the temple with cleaning, carrying things, and even assisting with construction work. He said that because of his hard work, the temple is very fond of him and provides him with a stable place to do business.
Like tuk-tuk drivers or taxi drivers in Thailand, these street vendors are often poor and have migrated from other provinces. Many have spoken about having to pay protection money to the police, especially those selling in prime locations.
However, in Bangkok, it's not just the poor who join the ranks of street vendors; even those with money and cars become street vendors.
The city government doesn't tax street vendors, but it does collect some revenue through fines. Those who want to clear the sidewalks argue that street vendors are not Bangkok residents, don't pay taxes, and pollute the streets, so they should be fined to the city budget.
However, despite much debate about whether or not street vendors should be allowed in Bangkok, street vending, much like in Vietnam, has become a distinctive feature of the city.
