The role of urban food street stakeholders in sustainable tourism: Case study of Bangkok, Thailand

This study aims to examine the role of stakeholders in managing urban food streets, develop an ecosystem framework for food street management, and explore stakeholder involvement in food street operations in Bangkok. Data were collected from three well-known food streets in Bangkok-Ratchawat Road, Khaosan Road, and Yaowarat Road-through interviews with 30 key informants and a questionnaire survey of 400 respondents. The findings indicate that public participation in food street management was moderate, with customers, tourists, and the general public being the most influential stakeholders. Supporting street food vendors and small entrepreneurs plays a social role by aiding low-income urban populations and contributing to the city's social and economic dynamics. The study proposed the 'Food on Street' ecosystem, which emphasizes the collaboration of various stakeholders, including community leaders, entrepreneurs, hawkers, local merchants, government officials, tourists, customers, and local residents. Additionally, vendors have begun adopting mixed trading methods such as online, on-site, and on-demand services. Transforming food streets into organized Food Truck markets enhances tourism and strengthens local economic systems, contributing to sustainable community development and well-being.