FRIDAY, March 29, 2024
nationthailand

Overcrowding a danger to visitors at floating market

Overcrowding a danger to visitors at floating market

As a recent visitor to the famed Damnoen Saduak floating market, 100 kilometres north of Bangkok, I feel that more should be done regarding the boat traffic there.

There is no control over the number of boats that pass through the channels, resulting in traffic jams at the floating market. I was stuck in one such jam for close to 25 minutes on Tuesday. 
Not only is this a waste of time for visitors, but the cramped conditions cause boats to bump into each other and into their occupants – a dangerous situation for visitors. Time spent in the traffic jam also means less earnings for boat operators, since their daily revenue depend on the number of trips they make per day fetching visitors. Authorities should control the number of boats in the water channel there. 
I also observed visitors – especially those from China – smoking cigarettes while on the boats, in the crowded environment. Boat passengers have no option but to breathe in second-hand smoke, known to be detrimental to health. Rules against smoking should be in place to discourage such inconsiderate behaviour. 
With sensible intervention by authorities at the floating market, I’m positive visitors’ experience can be improved. 
Sean 
Singapore 

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