Ta Tian-Ta Chang, the community on Bangkok’s Rattanakosin Island dating back to the late 1800s, recently received a makeover and it’s beautiful vintage architecture has been lovingly restored.
Most people are drawn to this community to observe the people’s traditional way of life, their history, and the island’s dazzlingly exquisite Thai temples.
Today, the European-style shophouses have been considerably revamped. Coconuts photographer Pai Chanikarn took a tour and talked to some local vendors.
The revamped and repainted buildings.
Ta Tian crowded with tourists.
“The buildings look nicer now. I have been selling ice-cream here since before the renovation. Now the area looks better and there are more tourists coming around. I sell more ice-cream,” said an ice-cream vendor.
“My dice shop has been open for generations. The building didn’t use to look this pretty, but it was served it’s purpose and was practical. I’m not really used to the changes yet. The dried fish vendors who used to operate in front of my shop had to move inside the market. So, now it feels kind of quiet,” said the owner of an ancient dice shop.
The vendors are no longer allowed to operate on the sidewalk.
“I think it looks nice and clean now — more organized. There are no longer food stalls in front of the shop but there are more tourists. When they come here, they probably want to be able to walk comfortably on the street. They’re looking for a beautiful memory to take home,” said a Thai medicine salesperson.
“I have been selling food here for more than a decade, as did my aunts and uncles. We have been operating right here in front of this market. When the area got revamped, those selling on the sidewalk had to stop. In fact, I’m not supposed to be here now (laughs),” said a dried fish vendor.
Reader Interactions