Rescuing a foodie paradise

As foot traffic plummets and revenue falls, the BMA has a plan to save Banthat Thong Road, write Supoj Wancharoen and Pitchayangkul Wongjanakool

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The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is pressing ahead with plans to redevelop Banthat Thong Road into a creative district and premier street food destination.

The move follows growing concerns from local business operators who report a significant decline in foot traffic and revenue.

Restaurant owners and employees alike have shared their concerns about their future amid economic uncertainty and shifting consumer behaviour. "The street has been quiet recently, and our sales are not good," Wilaiwan (last name withheld), 28, a cashier at Hieng Fish Balls Noodles, said. "The price of ingredients is increasing, making everything so expensive these days," she added.

The decline in the area's fortunes is also affecting longstanding businesses, including Black Me-o Boat Noodle, where chef Manirat (last name withheld), 50, worries about diminishing revenue. "A few months ago, we could still sell many bowls of noodles and some merchandise, but recently, we've barely made anything," she said. "If things don't get better, I don't know how long we can keep holding on."

The BMA's latest plan for saving the road includes organising pedestrian walkways, enhancing sanitary standards for food vendors and supporting the area's appeal to tourists.

ONCE A BUSTLING FOODIE SPOT

Over the past two to three years, Banthat Thong Road has risen to prominence as one of Bangkok’s top street food locations. Its popularity with both Thai and foreign visitors made it a landmark culinary strip.

However, recent developments suggest that without strategic intervention, the area may struggle to maintain its appeal.

The stretch of the road between Rama IV and Rama I roads — areas managed by Chulalongkorn University — has seen a proliferation of new restaurants opening alongside long-established eateries.