Chatuchak weekend market

Chatuchak (or Jatujak; _th. จตุจักร) weekend market in Bangkok is the largest market in Thailand, and largest of the world. Frequently called J.J., it covers over 35 acres (1.13 km²) and contains upwards of 15,000 stalls. It is estimated that the market receives between 200,000 and 300,000 visitors each day. Most stalls only open on Saturdays and Sundays.

The market offers a wide variety of products including household items, clothing, Thai handicrafts, religious artifacts, collectibles, foods, and live animals.

History

Chatuchak Market owes its origin to Field Marshal Plaek Phibulsongkram, the late prime minister of Thailand (1938-1944, 1948-1957), who came up with the idea of setting up a flea market in every town. As a result, the first flea market in Bangkok was held at Sanam Luang and was called Sanam Luang flea Market. However, there was time when the place was needed for other special functions and the flea market was then relocated to Saranrom Palace and settled there for 8 years. After that, it was moved again to Sanam Chai. But because of the limited space, it had to be moved back to Sanam Luang. In the same year, the government issued a policy to turn Sanam Luang into a public park for citizens of Bangkok and to be the venue to celebrate 200-year-anniversary of Bangkok, which would be held in 1982. Thus, it was decided that the flea market would be held at the Phahonyothin area from then on and it is later called Chatuchak Market after the nearby park under the same name.

Location

Chatuchak market is adjacent to the "Kamphaengphet" station (MRT) of the Bangkok Metro, or about a 5-minute walk from the "Mo Chit" (หมอชิต) Skytrain (BTS) station and Suan Chatuchak(Chatuchak Park) station(MRT).

NEWS

Since the beginning of June (2008). The Chatuchak Market authorities have introduced a complete ban on smoking for the whole market. Violations to the smoking ban would be fined 2,000 Baht. [http://farang.pai-nai.com/article.php/Smoking-Ban-for-Chatuchak-Market Chakuchak Smoking Ban]

Nearby Attractions

* JJ Mall (Large mall with all kinds of shops)
* Chatuchak Park
* Children's Museum
* Train Museum
* Chatuchak Plaza
* Jatujak Day & Night
* Queen Sirikit Park

Open

Hours: 08:00 - 18:00 on weekends and Fridays (wholesale day). Plant shops are open Wednesdays and Thursdays too from 07:00 - 18:00.

ee also

* Bangkok Markets

External links

* [http://www.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Chatuchak+weekend+market%40+13.799303,+100.550405&ie=UTF8&ll=13.799303,100.550405&spn=0.007231,0.010042&t=h&z=17&om=1&msa=0&msid=106872787586910416083.0004428fff290ce74181e Map] - Market Location
* [http://www.bhalpin.com/story1.php Chatuchak] - Black and white documentary images
* [http://www.jatujakguide.com/main/index_eng.php JatujakGuide] - JatujakGuide
* [http://www.shoppingwebthailand.com/jatujak/en/index.html Shops in Chatuchak weekend market]