Pak Khlong Talat

Stalls in Pak Khlong Talat, showing ubiquitous phuang malai garlands
Roses for sale in Pak Khlong Talat

Pak Khlong Talat (Thai: ปากคลองตลาด, "market at the mouth of the canal") is a market in Bangkok, Thailand that sells flowers, fruits, and vegetables. It is the primary flower market in Bangkok[1][2] and has been cited as a "place[] of symbolic values" to Bangkok residents.[3] It is on Chak Phet Road and adjacent side-streets, close to Memorial Bridge.[2] Though the market is open 24 hours, it is busiest before dawn, when boats and trucks arrive with flowers from nearby provinces.[4][5]

The market has a long history. During the reign of Rama I (1782–1809), a floating market took place on the site of the modern Pak Khlong Talat. By the reign of Rama V (1868–1910), it had changed to a fish market.[2] The fish market was eventually converted to today's produce market, which has existed for over 60 years.[1][2] The market's focus has shifted from produce to flowers as the Talat Thai market on the outskirts of Bangkok has become a more attractive site for produce wholesaling.[1]

Most of the flowers sold in the market are delivered from Nakhon Pathom, Samut Sakhon, and Samut Songkhram Provinces, though flowers that require cooler growing temperatures may come from as far away as Chiang Mai or Chiang Rai.[2] The market's produce selection is extensive and is delivered from across the country.[1]

The market accommodates both consumers and wholesalers and has a wide variety of customers. Many local florists visit the market in the early morning hours to stock their shops for the coming day.[6] The urban poor who make a living stringing and selling phuang malai (flower garlands) buy sacks of jasmine and marigold blossoms.[6] Though the market is documented in guidebooks,[7] it receives few foreign tourists.[6]

References

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  1. 1 2 3 4 Sukphisit, Suthon. "A Tale of Two Markets". Bangkok Post (November 11, 2006).
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 "Night Shopping". Bangkok Post (April 20, 2006).
  3. ↑ Kongrut, Anchalee. "More space for culture, arts sought". Bangkok Post (June 24, 2004).
  4. ↑ Evans, Christopher and Lindsay Evans. Thailand. Hunter Publishing (2006), p89. ISBN 1-58843-518-0.
  5. ↑ Warren, William. Bangkok. Reaktion (2002), p127. ISBN 1-86189-129-6.
  6. 1 2 3 Kazmin, Amy. "A night of scented breezes". Financial Times (May 1, 2004).
  7. ↑ Cummings, Joe. Thailand. Lonely Planet (2005), p178. ISBN 1-74059-697-8.

Coordinates: 13°44′32″N 100°29′48″E / 13.742209°N 100.496567°E / 13.742209; 100.496567

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