This research involved the study of periodic markets in Bangkok with the following objectives: (1) to study the development and emerging procedures of urban periodic markets in Bangkok, (2) to know the impact of urban periodic markets on the city and lifestyles of the population, and (3) to determine the factors leading to the emergence of urban periodic markets in Bangkok which will be useful for the study of other cities that have tendency for periodic markets. The first step of this work was the investigation of relevant documents and work, leading. Theories and concepts related to this type of market were also studied. Variables were then stipulated for the investigation of Bangkok area. The principle variables comprised poverty and population's income ranges, density of different population, namely, local people, students, workers, and tourists, and state's regulations. The supplementary variables were urban components and activities and behaviours of buyers and sellers. The next step was compilation of information from different organizations for the classification of the entire periodic markets found. State's officers in charge of activity regulations were interviewed in order to understand the control system. Buyers and sellers were interviewed and statistics on population, number, and locations of periodic markets including maps were compiled to analyze the relationships of density of different types of population, all periodic market locations, and urban components. Finally, the three selected urban periodic markets were studied on behaviours of sellers and buyers using questionnaire, and the locations together with surrounding components were investigated for clearer understanding. Following is the results of the study. (1) The level of incomes of the people affects the choice for a periodic market, which emerges due to the need for a selling space and low-price merchandise. However, this is not the major reason for other markets where buyers have higher purchasing power. There, we may find sellers who do it as a hobby or as a supplementary job, while buyers have other reasons such as time-saving. (2) Urban periodic markets usually emerge where both buyers and sellers from a remote area rather than areal people themselves come to the place at certain period of times. This may denote convenience of transportation at that point or some activities that gather people temporarily and hence a periodic market occurs. (3) The state's regulations depend on the areal characteristics. The state is always involved in the emergence and existence of a periodic market in the process of authorization. However, it was found that periodic markets in Bangkok could easily take place because the control is still not strict. (4) Small periodic markets usually disperse towards places where people gather, such as office areas, community areas. Big periodic markets are found in specific areas authorized by the state. We found that areal activities and components may not always be the factors directly affecting the emergence of periodic markets. Periodic markets can exist in areas where not a great number of people gather, but some other factors have been created to attract people. (5) The behaviours of sellers and buyers vary with the areal components, people, and the number of selling days. More importantly, buyers also see periodic markets as a place for relaxation rather than a place to buy merchandise. Thus, we frequently find a lot more teenagers in some markets than adults.
The urban periodic market : the constituting elements of a new urban, economic, and social culture : the case study of Bangkok