This determined street food seller has carried on serving roti to tourists despite government orders to leave the lucrative pavement spot as officials battle to clean up the third-world city.

Defying local authorities, Khun Puy, 32, has continued cooking her popular roti pancakes along a busy walkway in the vibrant Patpong area of Bangkok, Thailand.

Officials have recently ordered her and other street vendors to clear the sidewalk to better accommodate pedestrians in the city amid a wider crackdown on street food stalls. They were asked to move instead to a 'soulless' hawker centre near their original location.

Khun Puy gained popularity among tourists as the 'prettiest roti seller in Bangkok.' Hundreds visit her stall to taste her crispy pandan roti which costs 35 THB (one USD).

She said he father had been selling in the same spot for 20 years but had to pass down his business to his daughter due to deteriorating health.

Khun Puy left her factory job and took over the street snack roti business in 2017.

She said: ‘I prepare and travel for hours to make roti in this spot. I have responsibilities and I have people to take care of.

'I told the officers that I will adapt my stall to make it easier for the pedestrians. But I was shocked to find a big potted plant had been placed on the sidewalk to try and block me from selling.'

Bang Rak District Director Anchana Boonsuya said: ‘The district government office has received a large number of complaints from citizens through various channels both online and offline regarding the pavement issue.

'The street stalls along Silom road are causing trouble for pedestrians. We have asked for cooperation from the vendors and announced the prohibition of selling on the sidewalk in November 2022 and also in January 2023.

'They have also been informed about the new hawker centres. Most vendors have agreed to move while some refuse to. It is necessary to enforce the law against those who oppose.'