She's a single mother of three children, whom she supports. Her quote "Thai men are no good." It's a quote I've heard from others but a generalization I suspect. The night market is set up nightly in a street closed to traffic for the duration of the selling. Crews of guys come in about 4:00 p.m. and begin setting up for the market on stretch that's about 5 blocks long. They erect a scaffolding which has a canvas roof, fluorescent lighting, a fan, and counter with a display back. Then they bring the containers of merchandise out of storage from the previous night and place in front of the appropriate booth. Any fool entering the street during set up is lucky to emerge alive. For a 6 foot wide, two sided booth, there is exposure front and back, she pays $65. a night. At midnight she packs all of her wares that are left back into the big metal storage container for use the next day and heads home about 1:00 a.m. The crews return to take everything down and store it for the next night.
She does this 365 days a year. No work no income. In addition to the selling she has to go to market to buy the merchandise. But, she says that she is lucky. Because she is not selling name branded merchandise she doesn't have to pay off the police to look the other way as do those who sell handbags, watches, etc. Many, many Thai people work very, very hard for a spartan existence.The picture is of traditional Thai dresses, made of silk, which she sells. Noble Academy students requested a picture of traditional Thai clothes. I'll see if I can find someone wearing some...my best bet for that will be staff in a restaurant.
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