She explained that the majority of the vendors and street performers used electricity and there was a risk that electrical appliances or lighting could get soaked in the rain and give somebody a shock. She noted that stallholders laid their supply cables across the pavement and these would get wet as soon as it started raining.
Ms Sithikornphaibul said the heaviest monsoon rains were typically in June and July and the BMA had ordered the closure for just those two months. The suspension of what Bangkokians call Silom Walking Street comes into effect on 1 June, but the actual first closure will be on Sunday 7 June.
The BMA launched the street market earlier this year. It operates between 15:00 and 22:00 and Silom Road is closed to vehicular traffic for its duration. The market has turned into one of the most popular in Bangkok since its inception.
This popularity is partly due to the fact it is spacious and the Skytrain track positioned above the road provides shade from the sun. Other major draws are the huge variety of souvenirs, clothing and artefacts on offer plus easy access to the plethora of bars and eateries in the locality.
Bangkok shuts Silom Sunday market for monsoon season
News in Asia
Bangkok municipal authorities say they are closing the Silom Sunday street market for the forthcoming rainy season. Bang Rak district councillor Supawadee Sithikornphaibul says safety is of paramount importance and the reason the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is suspending the market for two months.