CityNews – Following a very successful social media campaign led by Raks Mae Ping Facebook page, all illegal stalls, which for years have been lining the steps up Doi Suthep, have been cleared.
There have been over 1,000 shares since the social media watchdogs first posted pictures of cluttered steps where tourists have to walk through a gauntlet of hawkers to reach the temples. Following shares and outrage, authorities removed all vendors on the 10th December and for the first time in over a decade the steps to Chiang Mai’s sacred temple is clear.
Raks Mae Ping led a similar campaign to clear Tha Pae Gate of hawkers in November where they were also successful. However, they have recently voiced concerns to CityNews that there are rumours that municipal authorities may be allowing vendor back onto the public square, but that they will keep a close watch and make sure that the public space remains clear of business so that the public can enjoy it.