We took a trip down to this very cheap market situated on the Thai/Burmese border last week. This was my first time for a couple of years, and I was amazed at how much the area had developed:
The border crossing - not much change here.
Looking over the 'old' market, which was the entirety of the market during my previous visit. Although it looks pretty deserted, it was well stocked when I took a walk around.
This is the start of the 'newer' purpose built market.
Rare orchids are one of the specialities of this market.
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Wooden furniture is the other speciality of this market.
I was there Sunday for the first time in over a year. There is a large renovation in progress, new pavillions and cement roads. When completed it will be much larger than before. However, I'm not so sure I like it. It is losing it's charm and becoming just anothet market. I presume sellers didn't pay rent before. That must have to change, probably keeping some of the more local and folkloristic sellers out. Time will show.
Nice pics, BB.
Word in Prachuab town is that the border will be opened to foreigners next year (2015). Inland travel still difficult due to the road conditions but at least visa runs will be doable there (that's if the Thai govt haven't banned them all together).
Who is the happier man, he who has braved the storm of life and lived or he who has stayed securely on shore and merely existed? - Hunter S Thompson
buksida wrote:Word in Prachuab town is that the border will be opened to foreigners next year (2015). Inland travel still difficult due to the road conditions but at least visa runs will be doable there (that's if the Thai govt haven't banned them all together).
