The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is accelerating the demolition of stalls illegally built along a pavement beside the Phadung Krung Kasem Canal, using a backhoe and other heavy equipment.

Deputy Bangkok Governor Jakkapan Piwngarm said today (Tuesday) that he expects the work to be completed in 2 more days, after which the reclaimed pavement will be renovated and decorated with flowerbeds and floor paintings.

He said that the city administration will not allow vendors to do business on the reclaimed pavements again, but will find new locations for them, after consultation with their representatives and district officials.

He disclosed that some of the stalls had been permanent structures built on the pavements and the vendors were reluctant to move out, despite being warned repeatedly.

Worachon Thavornpong, the chief officer of Pom Prab Sattru Phai district, said that officials have relocated numerous vendors from the Bobae and Maha Nak markets, but not the vendors on the pavements beside the canal, who had resisted until the city administration took decisive action to force them out.

Finally, many vendors did agree to move out, he added.

There were 791 sections pavement illegally occupied by vendors last year, but that has been reduced to 692 this year after the city administration relocated about 2,000 vendors.

Alternative trading sites have been arranged for some of the vendors from Phadung Krung Kasem Canal, with the help of Pom Prap Sattru Phai, Pathumwan and Dusit district offices.