Talad Rod Fai: 'All Aboard' For Antiques And Collectibles
UPDATE : 23 February 2011
Maneeya Dhammataree
Featuring decommissioned railway passenger cars lying along a short stretch of track and a building that once housed offices of the State Railway of Thailand (SRT), 'Talad Rod Fai' (the Railway Market) is one of the capital's most distinctive and attractive markets.
Located near Chatuchak market (widely known as 'JJ'), the market, which is particularly renowned for featuring attractively designed, classic or reproduction items, was established around the middle of last year. Apparently, the group responsible for establishing the market are real enthusiasts when it comes to vintage or retro styling. For this reason, you'll notice that there's a large number of beautiful, classic cars parked around the place, including sought after Volkswagen (VW) models, as well as vintage motorcycles, including Vespa scooters. In fact, most of the stalls at the market feature at least one classic vehicle on display.
Stylish Classics
In general, the vehicle featured at each stall also tends to determine the types of goods being sold there. So, if a stallholder has a classic VW on display, the chances are they will be selling antiques or reproduction, retro-style products. In contrast, if a stallholder is displaying a large motorcycle, the chances are they will be selling cowboy-style goods made of leather. Stallholders displaying Vespas, meanwhile, tend to offer colorful T-shirts and various hand-painted items.
Talad Rod Fai is roughly divided into two clear sections; stalls located within the former office building of the SRT and those operating in front of the building.
The first outlet you're likely to spot is called Rod's. It's basically an open-air restaurant that's adjacent to an indoor area, featuring a collection of classic cars (see photo, right) and additional stalls, selling antiques, including wooden furniture items (both 'Asian' and 'Western' in style). While some of the stalls sell porcelain items, such as tea sets (see photo, below), others include interesting statues, such as Chinese-style 'guardian' lion figures. There's also another interesting outlet that specializes in selling antique lanterns made of colorful glass.
Something For Everyone
The stallholders based within the outdoor area at the front of the building also sell quite a few antique items – during my visit, I spotted quite a bit of antique China, some vintage clocks, fans, lamps, telephones and radios for sale in this space. Prices vary range from less than 100 baht (about US$3), right up to tens of thousands of baht.
There are also quite a few stalls selling 'niche' products, including an outlet specializing in secondhand musical instruments, which featured several ukuleles. When it comes to clothing, the market includes quite a few original items. You'll spot lots of handmade accessories and home designed garments, including both new and secondhand bags and shoes.
Numerous stalls offer food and beverages. Based on my recent visit, most of these tend to operate out of converted VW camper-style vehicles. The colorful vehicles, along with the vivid shades provided by the food on offer only add to the market's lively feel.
Finally, don't forget to visit the decommissioned railway passenger car located towards the back of the market, where you can grab a bite to eat on board should the idea take your fancy. This 'retired' railway passenger car certainly adds another authentic aspect to the market's overall theme.
Transport Connections:
Train: Take an MRT subway train to Phahol Yothin Station. Disembark at Exit 1 and turn right once you step outside. Walk along the road for about 800 meters and you will see the market on your right.
Credit: TAN Network (www.tannetwork.tv)
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