Street Food Stalls Surroundings Roi Et Rajabhat University: From the Impact of Urbanization to the Next Normal

Abstract

This research article aims to study the adaptation of street food hawker communities surrounding Roi Et Rajabhat University to urbanization and the next normal. This research is a qualitative research. The researcher selected the area using purposive sampling technique based on street food hawker community surrounding Roi Et Rajabhat University, consisting of Tambon Koh Kaeo, Tambon Tha Muang, Amphoe Selaphum, Roi Et Province. The key informant group, totaling 9 people, was selected from street food entrepreneurs, consumers, land developers, and academics. The research instrument used to collect data were interview and in - depth interview. For data analysis, descriptive and interpretive methods were used. The results of this research found that urbanization had begun entering the community after the establishment of Roi Et Rajabhat University, and that there was a huge leap in physical growth after 2010. As a result, the community's way of life had been changed to an urban society, and more street food stalls emerged. The Covid - 19 pandemic caused adaptations among the street food community; some entrepreneurs re - locating back to their hometowns and some outsiders searching for new areas of occupation. The impact of the coronavirus situation was partly related to food safety and nutrition standards. The behavior of buyers and sellers shifted towards becoming increasingly dependent on digital technology, especially online transactions, internet banking, and food delivery platforms. Street food stalls should adjust their marketing and business plans to enable continuous sales and reasonable pricing, emphasizing on fast processing, convenient and easy to consume. Community leaders and local government agencies play an important administrative roles in managing street food areas, landscaping, community health care organizing, as well as the safety of entrepreneurs and consumers.