Evolution of Street Food Management in Asian Metropolises

Abstract

Metropolises around the world witness the social disputes over the use of public space, especially those concerning the existence of street food. This article aims to study the development of street food management in Asian metropolises in four countries, including Japan, Singapore, South Korea, and Taiwan, both in terms of policy and operations for lessons learned in spatial management and providing application guidelines to street management in Thai context. The research methods included collecting secondary data from related research documents, along with collecting primary data on the format of street food in the metropolis. The results showed that the development street food management can be divided into 3 stages, including the developing economy stage, the high economic growth stage, and the developed economy stage. In Japan, there were regulations for street management, which did not allow any trading activities on the street. In Singapore, street management relocated the activities into the Hawker Centre where it developed into a UNESCO World Intangible Heritage. In South Korea, there was a progressive formalization and lively street management scheme used to attract tourists. Just like in Taiwan, it was organized as an inclusive night market. The principle for street food management can be divided into 3 components, including registration and licensing, allocating designated space, and management tools. These lessons learned can be applied to Bangkok under the concept of inclusive street management that takes into account of inclusive management with the livelihoods of socially vulnerable groups, providing convenient walking and transportation space, preserving the street life and vibrant street food culture, and maintaining the legitimacy of the use of public space. This will create a balance between pedestrian users and street food vendors.