Bobae Market (Thai: ตลาดโบ๊เบ๊, RTGS: Talat Bobe, pronounced[tā.làːtbóː.béː]), usually shortened to Bobae, is a well-known cheap clothing market, both retail and wholesale. The market area has two huge wholesale shopping areas, Bobae Market and Bobae Tower.
The term bobae in Thai means 'noisy' or 'boisterous'. It's assumed that the name is derived from the word bong beng (บ้งเบ้ง), which describes the general condition of the market.[1][failed verification]
Bobae Market was founded c. 1927 by Thai-Chinese group who gathered to sell local products such as coconut water, tea, coffee, or various agricultural products. During World War II the focus changed to used clothing. At first, the clothes sold were those of persons who had died in the war.[1]
The market is open from 06:00 to 18:00 daily, Then during the night other sellers arrive to sell until dawn. Especially during the night, this is a very bustling market.[1][2]
This market is accessible by BMTA's bus routes 37, 53, 556 with a total of six bus stops both sides of Krung Kasem Road, including Khlong Saen Saep boat service by Talad Bobae Pier (W03).[3][4]
In 2023, Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has a policy to improve the landscape of Khlong Phadung Krung Kasem. This makes Bobae one of the markets affected as it is located parallel to the canal. The canalside stalls were dismantled. Up to 600 sellers were affected and the trading atmosphere, especially at night, has changed, unlike in the past.[5][6] There is an effort to push existing sellers to move to sell indoors instead in a building that resembles a shopping mall called Bobae Station located in the Rong Mueang side.[7]
