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No street-food ban, just control, says Foreign Ministry

Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokeswoman Busadee Santipitak has acknowledged puzzlement overseas regarding the decision to rid Bangkok of its street-food stalls, but stressed the need to maintain healthy and safety standards.

Busadee said the foreign community had questioned the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration’s campaign against street-food vendors, but stressed that the city would still have outlets selling street food, though they would be better controlled.

She said the street-food facelift was aimed at ensuring consumer safety in line with international standards, as well as the safety of pedestrians using the city sidewalks.

The Thai National News Bureau quoted Busadee as saying the first stage of the campaign would entail training street vendors in hygiene requirements. Those who pass a test would be allowed to continue or begin selling food on the street, she said.

http://www.nation...s/30313515