Well, it's a start anyway. Actually, I don't think the vendors are what people complain about so much. I think the complaints are primarily the utility poles, telephone booths, etc. that some genius thought placing right in the middle of the walkways was a good idea.

 

Details are in the PATTAYA MAIL:

 

http://www.pattayamail.com/current/news.shtml#hd6

I'll believe it when I see it . This will be another of those 'initiatives' from City Hall which will either come to nothing or be a 5-minute wonder to be quickly replaced by the status quo.

How are the poor vendors suppose to make a living? They chase them from the beach and they keep putting more and more restrictions on them. Times are so tough for the people in thailand now and they don't have gov't programs to help them out when they have nothing. My heart goes out to the poor of the country especially when I see one trying so hard to do better for his family.

How are the poor vendors suppose to make a living?

 

I agree 100% with you luvthai, but understand why city hall might initiate this type of proposal. I see it more in Bangkok where vendors will take most of the sidewalk and leave just a small path for the many pedestrians. Does not bother me, since I am in no hurry to go anywhere, but I can see how it would annoy some people.

I can see how it would annoy some people.

 

It can also be dangerous. Often the only way to get around it is to step into the street. I don't mind having to be inconvenienced to get around a vendor, and I do understand they are only trying to make an honest living, but being forced to step out into the street is a different story.

 

In any case, I would think City Hall ought to have other priorities.

People often talk about Pattaya's failings as a family resort, mostly by describing the transport problems, filthy sea water and lack of attractions. I would add to that the fact that walking along a street with two children in tow would be a nightmare for any vigilant tourist parent. Apart from the obvious lawless traffic and lack of pedestrian crossings, you have holes, broken kerbs, dodgy dogs, bikes on the pavement, and constant blockages, sometimes produced by vendors setting up shop on the pavement.

The pavement opposite Wat Chai on the market side along Pattaya Tai is down to a 3 foot wide passage for all the shoppers to travel along.

BUT what better way to meet the real Thailand than to open up children to the sights and sounds of a real Thai street scene.(OK, yes, remove the katoeys and the Indian loser Tailors) Imagine walking down from the Royal Garden to Walking Street without the hassle of the street sellers. Quicker, yes; more fun, doubtful. There are winners and losers and I would hate to see the city reduced to a arguably safer but more boring appearance. There are a million things that could be done to make the place safer for pedestrians than shiftiong away the vendors.