Pak Khlong Talat

Pak Khlong Talat (Thai: ปากคลองตลาด, pronounced [pàːk kʰlɔ̄ːŋ tā.làːt]; lit.: 'the mouth of the khlong of the market') is a market in Bangkok, Thailand, that sells flowers, fruits, and vegetables. It is the primary flower market of Bangkok[1][2] and has been cited as a "place of symbolic value" 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]

Stalls in Pak Khlong Talat selling phuang malai.
Roses for sale, Pak Khlong Talat

During the reign of Rama I (1782–1809), the site was a floating market. By the reign of Rama V (1868–1910), it had become 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
  1. Sukphisit, Suthon. "A Tale of Two Markets". Bangkok Post (11 November 2006).
  2. "Night Shopping"Bangkok Post (20 April 2006) Archived 15 May 2008 at the Wayback Machine
  3. Kongrut, Anchalee. "More space for culture, arts sought". Bangkok Post (24 June 2004).
  4. Evans, Christopher and Lindsay Evans. Thailand. Hunter Publishing (2006), p 89. ISBN 1-58843-518-0.
  5. Warren, William. Bangkok. Reaktion (2002), p 127. ISBN 1-86189-129-6.
  6. Kazmin, Amy. "A night of scented breezes". Financial Times (1 May 2004).
  7. Cummings, Joe. Thailand. Lonely Planet (2005), p178. ISBN 1-74059-697-8.

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