Unlocking Word Meanings
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.
- congestion / kənˈdʒɛs tʃən / (n) – the state of being overcrowded
Example:The accident caused a severe traffic congestion along the highway.
- alley / ˈæl i / (n) – the area between two buildings
Example:The food vendor waits for customers in the alley during lunch time.
- put into place / pʊt ˈɪn tu pleɪs / (idiom) – to establish something
Example:New guidelines were put into place after the incident happened.
- favorite / ˈfeɪ vər ɪt / (n) – something that is seen as special or meaningful
Example:My trip to Rome is one of my favorites so far.
- skewer / ˈskyu ər / (n) – a stick where food is pushed through
Example:Tourists love yakitori, a dish wherein chicken is placed on skewers and then grilled.
Article
Read the text below.
The government of Thailand has decided to implement changes in an effort to improve street food locations in the country’s capital—Bangkok.
Earlier reports on the issue claimed that the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) will ban street food vendors across the city. However, a representative from the BMA later said that rather than banning vendors, they will simply be asked to stay in zoned areas. This initiative hopes to address the congestion experienced by pedestrians in busy sidewalks that were being overtaken by street food stalls. Vendors located in small alleys will also be allowed to continue operating as long as they do not cause inconvenience to anyone.
Aside from regulating the areas where vendors can operate, the BMA will also implement stricter hygiene guidelines. Mandatory training courses for vendors and the ban on washing dishes by the side of the road are included in these guidelines.
According to the BMA, it recognizes that the street food culture is integral to the identity of Bangkok. However, stricter initiatives are needed to be put into place in order to maintain discipline and increase food safety standards in the capital.
Bangkok’s street food culture has drawn a lot of tourists from all over the world. In fact, both CNN and Forbes have ranked Bangkok as the number one destination for street food. Tourists love Thai street food not only because it is tasty, but also because it is inexpensive. Among the tourists’ favorites are pad thai, a stir-fried noodle dish, and grilled satay, which are grilled meat on skewers.
Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.
Discussion A
• How do you think the changes will affect Bangkok’s street food culture?
• Do you think tourists will be less interested in visiting Bangkok after these changes have been implemented? Why or why not?
Discussion B
• What food in your country do tourists love to try?
• Aside from food, what are other things that your country can use to promote tourism?