Setting Up

Each weekend, a usually empty parking lot is transformed in about an hour into the town mall. Some people come setting up tables and tents in case the rain comes. Others simply lay blankets or tarps on the ground, placing their merchandise on top. The latter have perfected the art of rolling up their blanket and everything they're selling, stuffing it in a giant bag, and running for the nearest shop awning when the almost daily rain comes.

Merchants bring their goods in giant bags or tubs. Everything from used shoes, irons, and remote controls, to new clothes, old coins, and musical toy bubble blowers, is sold at great prices. A favorite stand is the 20 Baht stand (like a 99 cents store) where you can find sewing kits, toilet paper, dish soap, toys, etc.