My observation of malls in Bangkok is that the big ones cater to small tiangges operators

I have seen a large variety of stores in malls in large malls in Bangkok.  Most occupy stalls that are very small 2x3 at times.  Just like the 168 business model.  Plenty of traffic, plenty of sales, and small rentals.  Not many rules.

Tiangges are good business for malls and municipalities during fiestas

When I became member of a panel that reviewed a strategic plan, I found out that one of the biggest revenue driver are the small stores (tiangges)  There is a lot of foot traffic compared to the department stores where goods are expensive and not afforable.  Their rates are up to P1,000 per day so their monthly rental amount to P30,000 or more a month.

As for the tiangges in fiestas, there is a lot of traffic because there is a lot of tiangges that block the main street.  The tiangges pay as high as P5t per day.  Thus it is also a good business for..... since there may be no audit of this business transaction with the munisipio since it is fiesta time anyway