The Sketchy Market
This is a closed and abandoned outdoor retail market located in the far eastern suburb of Lat Krabang, just outside of Bangkok and not far from Suvarnahbumi International Airport. I don't have a lot of information on the location, but it seems to have been castle themed, and has been closed for several years. I was there in the early morning when I parked nearby and attained permission to enter and take pictures from a sort of caretaker/parking attendant/security guard. He seemed to live nearby and tended to the chicken coop which is on the market property. I've been told that in the evenings the market becomes a gay cruising spot where men regularly come to make 'connections' in the many dark stalls and hallways. I suggest that they rename the market Talad Grindr.
This site marks a first for me as it is the first location in which someone has threatened or aggressively attempted a physical altercation. As I was shooting some pictures in one of the dark indoor corridors between stalls, I saw some sudden movement ahead, which was a squatter who I had unknowingly awoken. I didn't want to disturb him further so I started walking back the other way, when I felt something hit my leg & realised that he was throwing rocks at me! I walked out and to another area (after all I did have permission from the guard to be there) and he found me a few minutes later. He said in Thai to 'Go, go now! Go go go!' as he approached me while carrying a broom and some kind of brick or something. I didn't back away, but looked at him dead in the eye for a few seconds, then ignored him, pretending that he wasn't there, and continued to take pictures. He realized that I was a) not there to do any harm and b) not afraid of him, so he walked off.
This is the 40th abandoned site that I have explored in Thailand, but the first time that anyone has acted aggressively, which I suppose is a good sign. Typically, as long as I mind my own business and don't disturb anyone's possessions or personal space, the squatters that occupy abandoned buildings keep to themselves or even have a chat with me. This is a first, and also a reminder that urban exploration should not merit constant paranoia about people and places, practicing a bit of vigilance is never a bad idea. Common sense, really.
Altercation aside, I enjoyed exploring this site and was able to find some quirky and colorful features amongst the mud and debris.
Read MoreThis site marks a first for me as it is the first location in which someone has threatened or aggressively attempted a physical altercation. As I was shooting some pictures in one of the dark indoor corridors between stalls, I saw some sudden movement ahead, which was a squatter who I had unknowingly awoken. I didn't want to disturb him further so I started walking back the other way, when I felt something hit my leg & realised that he was throwing rocks at me! I walked out and to another area (after all I did have permission from the guard to be there) and he found me a few minutes later. He said in Thai to 'Go, go now! Go go go!' as he approached me while carrying a broom and some kind of brick or something. I didn't back away, but looked at him dead in the eye for a few seconds, then ignored him, pretending that he wasn't there, and continued to take pictures. He realized that I was a) not there to do any harm and b) not afraid of him, so he walked off.
This is the 40th abandoned site that I have explored in Thailand, but the first time that anyone has acted aggressively, which I suppose is a good sign. Typically, as long as I mind my own business and don't disturb anyone's possessions or personal space, the squatters that occupy abandoned buildings keep to themselves or even have a chat with me. This is a first, and also a reminder that urban exploration should not merit constant paranoia about people and places, practicing a bit of vigilance is never a bad idea. Common sense, really.
Altercation aside, I enjoyed exploring this site and was able to find some quirky and colorful features amongst the mud and debris.
