Traditional markets being promoted The Tourism Authority of Thailand is (TAT) is promoting nine traditional markets in Samut Prakan, Chachoengsao, Nakhon Nayok, Prachin Buri and Sa Kaeo provinces. All the markets are within 200 kilometres from Bangkok. According to Benjawan Sunetvorakul, TAT's director for the Central Region, the two in Samut Prakan are the weekend floating markets in Bang Nam Phueng where visitors can sample local food, buy cheap vegetables and fruits, and the other is 140-year-old Bang Phli market where visitors can observe the lifestyle of locals and buy traditional products. In Chachoengsao, they are Talat Ban Mai by the bank of Bang Pakong River and the 100-year-old Khlong Suan market where visitors can stop for traditional coffee and sample other goodies reminiscent of days long gone. In Nakhon Nayok, TAT is promoting a market specialising in ornamental flower plants and trees at Rangsit Khlong 15 where homestay is also available. In Prachin Buri, there are a furniture and handicraft market at Ban Ngong-Ban Ton, and the one at Ban Dong Bang that sells ornamental and herbal plants and fruits. In Sa Kaeo, 245 kilometres from Bangkok, TAT is promoting the Rong Kluea flea market specialising in used brandname accessories. There are more than 3,000 shops selling a diverse range of commodities from China, South Korea, Hong Kong and Cambodia. |