Pratunam Market, Fashion market in Ratchathewi, Thailand
Pratunam Market is a multi-level wholesale complex in Ratchathewi filled with thousands of stalls selling clothing, accessories, and fabrics at low prices. Each floor groups vendors by type of goods, making it easier to compare styles and negotiate for bulk purchases.
The market began in the 1970s as a small cluster of stalls near a canal and quickly grew into a hub for textile traders from across Thailand. Over the following decades it expanded into several buildings and attracted buyers from around the world.
Vendors use calculators to haggle silently across language barriers, tapping prices back and forth until both sides agree on a deal. This wordless exchange has become the standard way of doing business here, connecting traders and buyers from dozens of countries without speaking the same tongue.
Stalls open daily from 4 in the morning, with wholesalers arriving early to secure fresh stock. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes because the aisles are narrow and walking through multiple floors takes time.
Each floor section follows a color-coding system that helps shoppers navigate and corresponds to specific categories like children's wear or formal suits. Regular buyers memorize the colors and can move quickly between levels without reading signs.
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