Bangkok foodies can breathe a sigh of relief.
Street food stalls will not be banned in the Thai capital, contrary to recent media reports.
"I can assure you that there is no ban on street food vendors, street food is part of us and part of life," said Thailand tourism and sports minister Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul.
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration was reportedly removing street vendors citywide in all all 50 districts of Bangkok but the minister says any recent removals are normal measures to weed out those that violate hygiene standards.
"The BMA just removed some street vendors in some certain areas, which is their consistent policy," said Kobkarn.
"We have contacted the BMA and found that while there are measures in place to control food vendors and enforce current regulations, there is no outright ban on the sale of street food," said the Tourism Authority of Thailand.
"Popular tourist streets such as, Chinatown’s Yaowarat and Khao San Roads, will not be affected but these areas will receive special attention to ensure international hygienic standards are met by the vendors," TAT added.
To mark its commitment to local street food culture, Bangkok will hold a street food festival in June, TAT said, although very few details have been disclosed yet.
