Muslim market gets back on feet
Local community determined to make a success of reopening, writes Supoj Wancharoen
Alocal Muslim fresh market in Bangkok is relying on community spirit to prevent Covid-19 transmissions since the government eased the lockdown. Talat Iam Sombat is a medium-sized market in Suan Luang district, in the vicinity of Sukhumvit Soi 77 (Soi On Nut) and Srinakarin Road.
Although not well known to people outside the community, Talat Iam Sombat is well-regarded among locals and is one of the few markets in the capital that caters specifically to Muslims.
The market opened nearly 40 years ago and has 118 vendors, most of whom are old faces and have been plying their trade on the premises since before the turn of the century.
Most customers are locals. However, it was usually very busy until the Covid-19 lockdown forced its temporary closure.
Slowly, its energy and liveliness are coming back since authorities allowed it to reopen on May 3.
Many vendors and customers have reported that going back to the market has been like attending a reunion with old friends. Although everyone is wearing masks, the sense of excitement has been palpable as this thriving community has begun to get back on its feet.
One of the main reasons customers visit the market is to buy the famous Muslim dishes on sale, such as stewed-beef noodles, saffron rice with chicken, and various curries and other spicy dishes.
‘‘ I think everyone just wants to do their bit to help and if that means minor convenience, then so be it.
SAMSEAH SAYORWAN BANGKOK METROPOLITAN ADMINISTRATION PUBLIC HEALTH DIVISION
Similarly, grocery shops also supply ingredients such as beef, chilli paste, coconut milk, vegetables, rice grains and eggs for restaurant owners and home cooks alike.
Samseah Sayorwan, 50, the city official who oversees Talat Iam Sombat told the Bangkok Post during a specially arranged visit that the vendors and shoppers have complied with public health measures and have shown a willingness to adapt to the city’s “new normal”.
At two main entry gates, market staff use thermal scan equipment to measure the temperature of visitors. Bottles of hand sanitation gel have been provided.
“Everyone has been wearing face masks and made an effort to maintain social distancing,” said Ms Samseah.
The fact that most people here are part of the same community could also be a useful factor in keeping any infections from breaking out into the wider city, she added.
“So far, we have not had to ask anyone to leave the market. In fact, I haven’t had to issue any formal warnings at all since the start of the Covid-19 outbreak. I think everyone just wants to do their bit to help and if that means minor convenience, then so be it. The vendors just want to return to making a living,” Ms Samseah said.
The city official said she was pleased to see community members were acting as each other’s eyes and ears in terms of making sure that regulations were being followed and hygiene standards met under the government’s new sanitary guidelines.
Since April 19, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration has required vendors in fresh markets to have their health checked regularly. Any who show signs of a fever or infection are required to stop work immediately and return home to self-isolate.
Patcharee Chotiman, 40, rice seller at Talat Iam Sombat, said she feels the market is a safe environment.
“I believe local people love and want to protect this market as it is one of only a few Muslim markets in Bangkok and it is part of the community. So we try to do best. We all wear masks and wash our hands regularly,” she said.
Moosa Samerkan, 38, who came the market to buy beef, said the key factor in the fight against Covid-19 is solidarity.
“Here, everyone knows we have a particular responsibility not to spread the disease to other people,” she said.