Bangkok Sidewalk Epilogue

   Exiting the Bangkok Christian Guesthouse, my hotel, last night I found the usual food stalls doing great business.  Remarking to the Guesthouse staff "Don't they know it's Monday?"  I got more of the story about sidewalk businesses closed on Mondays.  It seems there was a government mandate that many had to be closed on Monday.  However, Soi Sala Daeng 2, my street, is considered such an insignificant street they are exempt from Monday closing.
   Here's my guess how it all came down.  Government officials responding to complaints about sidewalk congestion decided to end it all.   So they led with a big announcement to that effect.  Sidewalk food stalls are such a part of Bangkok life that there was a huge pushback.  Some of the best food in Thailand is served from these stalls and a good meal costs only a dollar or two.  Likely customers and sellers alike protested.
     Something had to be done.  The government would lose face is they just backed down.  The result is quintessentially Thai.   The order is given "All stalls on busy streets much close Mondays."   The congestion is acknowledged but life can go on almost as normal and the officials can say they acted.
    In a similar vein the law states that there be no alcohol sales on Buddha's birthday.  Indeed, most bars are closed.  This does not deter restaurants that serve alcohol.  Order a beer with your meal and some place out of sight the beer will be poured in a plastic cup before it is served to you.  Honor the thought but don't disrupt life over a principal.

A twin...5th grade.

The other twin...I often can not tell which is which.