It's in Samut Songkhram, more commonly known as Maekhlong Railway Market, or Talad Rom Hoop to the locals, which means "Umbrella Pulldown Market."
The train passes through the market eight times a day. Each time it passes through, the stall owners, with their fresh vegetables, fishes and meat all laid out on the track will clear them for the train to pass through. The umbrellas and shelter will also be retracted as well. Thus the name for the market.
Since it was shown on TV, the place has becomes a tourist attraction by itself.
Hordes and hordes of tourists go there just to watch this unusual scene for that few minutes of action.
And of course, that is not the only attraction there, though the main attraction.
You can visit the huge wet market selling all kinds of vegetables, fruits, snacks and dried goods. You can pop into one of the eating places for some delicious noodles. There are the old shop houses for you to explore. And there's a temple nearby as well.
During my last trip there, I was at the market doing some groceries shopping (yes, you hear it right) of dried seafood. As I was walking toward the market, I saw a little boy walking in front of me.
The whole market looked like his playground. He was walking from stall to stall as if he owns the territory. And all the stall owners were cuddling him and talking to him as he walked nonchalantly.
Then he fell and sat on the wet and dirty ground. Immediately, he went to wash his hands at his grandma's stall that sells desserts.
I stopped to play with him but he was a little reserved because of language difference. Someone who looked like his dad asked him to "Wai" and wave to me. Then he ran back to his grandma's stall, sit on the table and drink his milk.
He's so adorable and I took a photo with him.
Later, while I was having lunch, I thought it'll be nice to buy him a little present. So I went off looking for a toy shop and bought a blue ball. It was 59 Baht but the lady sold it to me for 55 Baht without me bargaining. Walked back to the market but he was not there. Passed the ball to his grandma and she was so happy and appreciative.
But I was even happier to be able to make someone happy.
This proves that giving is better than receiving.
To the skeptical, they may think I'm crazy and stupid for spending money on a stranger. But to me and many of you, such happiness can never be measured.
The next time I'm going there, you can be sure I'll be visiting this little boy. And if you ever go there, please show them this photo.