Changes of Street Vending Activities and Customers’ Behavior and Attitude in Nonthaburi Pier Area, Thailand, During the 2020 Coronavirus Pandemic Lockdown

Abstract

Street vendors are a part of urban life in Thailand. Many vendors illegally use public space for their businesses. Nevertheless, people appreciate their existence and see them as the norm. The city’s growth has expanded the street vendors’ territory to the border of Bangkok, including the Nonthaburi pier area, which is a transportation hub. The closing of public venues and preventive guidelines during the lockdown due to the Coronavirus disease pandemic directly impact street vendors. A field survey was conducted, and questionnaire data were collected on street vending behavior from the vendors and customers in three different areas during two phases of the lockdown period (May to June and August to September) of 2020. The results indicated (1) insignificant changes in purchasing behavior patterns, (2) economic damage to vendors caused by a reduced number of urban actors, (3) impacts on street vendors based on urban space characteristics, and (4) statistically significant interrelations between purchasing behavior and attitudes toward public issues in different age groups. The implication of these findings and hidden interrelations are discussed from the perspective of future urban development.