PATTAYA, Thailand — Vendors operating along Walking Street Pattaya have submitted a formal petition to city officials, asking authorities to restore the previous 4 a.m. access time for traders entering the popular nightlife zone, saying the recently adjusted schedule has sharply reduced their income.
The group gathered at Pattaya City Hall to hand over a complaint letter after the city changed the permitted entry time for vendors bringing goods into the area. Previously, traders were allowed to enter from 4:00 a.m., but the new rule restricts access to between 5:00 and 5:30 a.m.
Vendor representatives said the later time is too late for effective sales, as most tourists and customers have already left the area by then. The change has particularly affected vendors selling fresh food, who risk financial losses when unsold items spoil and cannot be resold.
Representatives Sakorn Tangjai and Nisneena Kudlutud said the protest reflects the concerns of around 70 to 80 traders connected through a messaging group, with about 30 to 40 vendors attending the submission in person.
The group proposed three key requests to city officials: restoring the previous 4 a.m. access time, allowing vendors to continue self-managing stall arrangements to avoid blocking traffic, and asking the city to clearly communicate any operational issues so traders can address them effectively.
Receiving the petition on behalf of the city, Rittichai Khamsri said the complaint will be forwarded to Pattaya administrators for review. He added that a decision is expected soon in order to minimize the impact on local businesses.
