Insight into Bangkok's Mobile Street Vendors [Season 3, Episode 26]

Greg interviews Kisnaphol "Keng"
Wattanawanyoo, an expert in the informal aspects of
urban life, and in the case of Bangkok, the plethora of mobile
street vendors.


While Bangkok is in a rush to modernize and clean up its
streets, the mobile vendor subculture is alive and well - but for
how long? Greg and Keng discuss where these folks come from,
where they buy their merch, and explains the informal network
they use to keep each other up to date, train new recruits, and
mark their territory. Above all, they represent the best of the
entrepreneurial nature of Thais, many of whom seem willing to
travel long distances to set up their own businesses.


However, Keng points out that the Thai government often
takes a more negative view of the informal economy of Bangkok and
see it as contributing to the chaos and disorder of the city -
despite many (such as construction workers in the rapidly
multiplying building projects) relying on them to get affordable,
convenient food and supplies.


Plus - Love, Loathe, or Leave - the ubiquitous
Bangkok ice cream sandwich.


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