The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) says the market will feature about 90 waterborne vendors selling culinary delicacies, knick-knacks and useful household articles. BMA spokesperson Atthaporn Suwattanadecha says the vendors are coming from other markets in the Bangkok locality.
Mr Suwattanadecha says the new market is the brainchild of prime-minister Prayut Chan-o-cha. He said the PM wanted to see Bangkok’s numerous canals undergo a renaissance and turn into the vibrant places they were more than 100 years ago.
The BMA has set up most of the floating pontoons needed so that shoppers will be able to admire the wares and buy from the boat-vendors. Workers have also spruced up jetties at Lhuk Luang and Somanat Temple.
Klong Phadung Canal was laid out during the reign of King Mongkut in the mid-19th century. It was designed to facilitate travel in the ever-expanding city and also to showcase the delights of Thailand to upcountry and international visitors.
New Bangkok floating market launches today
News in Asia
Municipal workers in Bangkok were this morning putting the finishing touches to the city’s newest traditional shopping venue. A floating market is rising from the waters of the Phadung Krungkasem Canal and will provide shoppers and gourmands with an eclectic range of products themed on the Thailand of olden times.