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Last week, in the evenings, tens of thousands of people mostly middle class people such as teachers, doctors and office job workers, used go out on the streets, speak on podia and mingle with each other. These protestors also blocked roads and bridges, occupied government buildings and airports. The demonstrations are mostly in Bangkok but also elsewhere in the country. At first Samak tried to have the Government buildings cleared up by the police but the court couldn’t comply with this order immediately. But after last Monday’s shooting incident, the Government has forbidden all public gatherings under the name of ‘public safety’.

The demonstrators have occupied Samak’s office for more than a week and they demand him to step down because corruption is proven. The Election Commission stated that this statement is correct and as soon as the Higher Court takes the Election Commissions advice Samak will have to step down and leave politics for five years. He is accused of election fraud in December 2007. However, it is very Thai alike that a convict from The Higher Court takes months.

The Unions now seem to have joined hands and announced that they that they are going to cut power at the Government buildings. There will also be actions against public transport and airports. So it is a Negative Travel Advice for Thailand will be likely soon, if not already.

What is my experience of the situation as a foreigner in BK? Is it safe?
In my opinion Thai are not violent people so that is why we feel that it is relatively safe here. Many schools in the center are closed for the next couple of days, some Universities were closed too. My students at the university know the situation but the shopping fair is still far more interesting of course. So far, students approached me once to ask me about my opinion about Samak and the situation.

The motorbike driver told me: “The country Thailand is boring because we are not allowed to demonstrate (express our opinion). It’s now forbidden.” He sounded very sad.

For this post I used information from: volkskrant.nl and nos.nl (Dutch news channels) feel free to comment.

This market is the most famous market for souvenirs in Bangkok if not whole Asia. With thousands of shops, most visitors are amazed to see so much choice and variety just on one market. It is no surprise that many tourists successfully do their shopping at Jatuchak market. Even though the market area covers a huge space and the shops are well set-up, you have to be aware that it is extremely crowded during the weekends! When you are full of energy and you enjoy shopping, it is definitely the (market) place to visit.

Getting there: The market is just next to (south of) the Jatuchak Park. Walking distance from the Skytrain station: Mo Chit. Metro station Jatuchak Park. If you planning to take a taxi, just tell: Suan Jaktuchak. Many busses are going: 3, 8, 26, 27, 28, 34, 38, 39, 44, 52, 59, 74, 77, 96, 97, 104, 108, 112, 134, 136, 138, 145, and air-conditioned busses: 2, 3, 9, 10, 12, 13, 29, 38, 39, 44, 136 and 139. See TRANSPORT as well.

Products: Jatuchak market has probably the best variety of souvenirs in Asia! Handicrafts, souvenirs, clothing, pottery, furniture, lamps, books, paintings, arts, pets, plants and much more..Opening time: Although the official Jatuchak opening times are from 9:00am-6:00pm on Saturday and Sundays, you might discover that most shops actually don’t close until sunset.

The Garden Plants section is also open every Wednesday and Thursday from 7.00am to 6.00pm.
On Friday the market is open for wholesalers but you it is no problem to do your own shopping on this day. This might be a good alternative for you to go shopping if you like to avoid the crowded weekend days.

Picture of Jatuchak Plaza Entrance:

All most unbelievable facts: The market contains more than 15,000 shops, there are over 200,000 visitors each day and they spend an total of 30 million baht.

The name in Thai is จตุจักร but in English this name is translated in many different ways. The four most common ways of writing it in English are: Chaktuchak, Jatuchak, Jatujak or JJ market.

Where in Bangkok:
(incl. google earth MAP)

Map of the Market:

Platinum Fashion Plaza is a place in the city where they sell winter clothing. They have jackets, warm sweaters and more. The quality is good though prices are rather high too. This fashion plaza is located near the Pratunam market in the center of Bangkok. So enjoy the air conditioned envirnoment while you try on your clothes.

Check out our google MAP.

Floating Market; Many Bangkok floating Markets were formed as a result of the easy water transport accessibility in Thailand. The city use to have (30 years ago) thousands of canals which made water transportation easy and popular. Unfortunately many of those water canals have disappeared due to development. Floating markets still exist and it is worth visiting although it is touristy!

Morning Floating Market
The most famous one is Damnoen Saduak; The earlier you visit the better because tourist buses arrive after 9am. This one is also not near Bangkok.
Read more..
See photos..
Evening Floating Market
Ampawa
Less famous but also very nice if not nicer. Starts in the even and doesn’t have as many tourists as the more popular Damnoen Saduak market.  Like the Damnoen Saduak it is also located in Ratchaburi Province.