What should be done to tackle the problem of roadside vendors?

Authorities in Sisattanak district, Vientiane, have warned vendors not sell food and other goods on the roadside outside Mahosot Hospital. This area has recently become congested, while vendors are conducting an illicit business because they have no licence to trade. Vientiane Times asked members of the public for their thoughts on this issue.

Ms Bounchin Chanthavong, a resident of Xayaboury province: If we compare shopkeepers and roadside traders, the second group are not playing by the rules. Shopkeepers have to pay taxes and the price of their goods is quite high, but people buy goods on roadsides because the prices are lower and it’s also easier to shop this way when driving. The authorities should step in and regulate this problem, especially as this is a very dangerous location to place stalls and there’s bound to be an accident on this busy road, if not already. The authorities should move them to a more suitable location.

Ms Davone Kommanivan, a government official in Chanthabouly district, Vientiane: This is a matter for the traffic police and hospital management to deal with. Vendors should not be allowed to sell their wares anywhere they please, and in this case it is downright dangerous because Setthathirath Road is narrow and full of traffic. There is simply no room for people to park by the side of the road to buy food, as it creates a real traffic hazard. By setting up stalls on the pavement, vendors are using a public space illegally, and they have no right to do this without proper authorisation. It’s unfair and I’d like officials to remove them. They should set up stalls in properly designated areas and pay taxes the same as shop owners. Officials should fine them and force them to move.

Ms Bounthom, a resident of Pakngum district, Vientiane: A hospital should set standards in all respects, and I’m amazed that the management has allowed vendors to proliferate on the pavement right outside the entrance, and spill out into the main road as well. The hospital frontage should be clean and tidy, not cluttered with food vendors. It’s also dangerous for motorists driving along this busy road, and I’m surprised the traffic police haven’t intervened, as these stalls are clearly a road safety hazard. Large hospitals should have a minimart, shop and restaurant inside the building, as part of services for patients and their relatives. 
 
Ms Dor Inthavong, a resident of Luang Prabang province: The solution to this lies in the hands of people who live in areas where roadside vendors operate. They need to lodge a complaint with the relevant officials. First, traders should be cautioned if they are not following the rules. Next, officials can use the law to stop them selling goods by the roadside because this causes problems for motorists. One afternoon, I saw a vendor having an argument with drivers because his roadside stall was blocking the traffic. I urge everyone to consider this matter carefully and come to a sensible decision.
Ms Keo Xoumphonphakdy, a resident of Xaythany district, Vientiane: I know that selling goods by the roadside is against the regulations, and can sometimes cause congestion. If there’s plenty of free space, I don’t see that it’s a problem, but people should not set up stalls on public sidewalks or by the side of main roads. The authorities should take steps to limit this practice, especially in busy urban areas. It’s clear to me that these stalls right outside Mahosot Hospital are a hazard and there will inevitably be an accident before too long.

By Lamphone Pasanthong
(Latest Update July 27, 2022)