The huge change coming to Thailand’s most famous drinking street the Khaosan Road after months of lockdown – and it could spell the end of Bangkok’s party scene
- One of Thailand’s most popular party districts had a makeover during pandemic
- Bangkok’s famous Khaosan Road has been an epicentre for tourists and reveler
- Since being shut down over coronavirus the street has undergone a makeover
- The new works have created a dispute with the disappointed local street vendors
- Here’s how to help people impacted by Covid-19
One of Thailand’s most iconic party streets has undergone a huge makeover after the district was closed because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Bangkok’s Khaosan Road is well known as the epicentre for backpackers and tourists in the bustling Thai city but in recent months it has become a deserted ghost town.
Now sweeping design changes could mean the end of the street’s roadside drinking and eating culture, with limited space for street vendors.
Deputy Bangkok Governor Sakoltee Phattiyakul had wanted to make changes to the famous street for years, and finally found the opportunity during lockdown.
Bollards have been installed to separate traffic from pedestrians and the road has been repaved making it smoother and safer for revelers and motorists.
Bangkok’s world famous Khaosan Road (pictured), a hub for backpackers and revelers, has undergone some changes since being shut down due to the coronavirus pandemic
Khaosan Road was freshly paved and new bollards were installed to divide traffic from pedestrians (revelers pictured on Khaosan Road in 2019) but street vendors have been left out
The street may reopen in August, without tourists, and the vendors who normally pack the area have been told to stay away until a selection process is completed.
The deputy governor has been on a long-term crusade to clear out vendors from the popular tourist area, Coconuts Bangkok reported.
Yada Pornpetrumpa of the Khaosan Road Vendors Association said they would be meeting with city officials in the coming days to reach an agreement.
However the association said it doesn’t expect a list of approved vendors to be ready before the meeting.
Other nearby streets will also receive upgrades including more trees and bollards, which Mr Phattiyakul said would limit the space for street vendors in the area.
The remaining works across the city’s party streets are expected to cost $2million.
The new works will limit the space for the city’s street vendors (pictured on Khaosan Road) and a new list of approved vendors is being drafted by city officials