Travel like the wind :
Suchart Choolee
There are times when I feel weary, bombarded by so many things – from my physical surroundings to the overwhelming flood of information, one way or another, affecting my inner peace.
In these times of rapid, sudden change, when I almost don’t want to perceive anything, I hit the remote to turn off the TV, flick the power switch, grab the car keys, and drive off.
Anywhere, in these moments of feeling adrift. I wander through narrow alleys, past houses that are a blend of old, new, and time-worn decay.
“Oh dear! I’m 87 years old, what more could I ask for? I’ve lived this long by my own two hands,”
I overheard a conversation between an elderly woman and a customer who stopped by to greet her.
Her face smiled at everyone passing by, while her hands were busy measuring goods for sale at her storefront.
In a way, she could be considered “soft power” (a popular, catchy term). Beyond the community, houses, and the Talat Raheng market itself – over 100 years old – lies the enchanting charm of yesteryear, still breathing.
The glorious past of river transportation, which played a part in making the Talat Raheng community an economic trading hub and a junction for people traveling by boat, has gradually faded with the changing times and the rise of land transportation.Roads were built to accommodate the concept of progress and prosperity.
“Grandma! Are you really 87? You still look so strong!” I sat down on a bench and picked up some Milo-coated roasted peanuts offered for tasting. She smiled and nodded.
“Yes, dear. And where have you been? Visiting the market?”
“Yes, Grandma,” I replied, my eyes furtively glancing at the storm lantern, old banknotes, and many other antique items hanging and arranged on the shelves.
I was about to ask for prices when I noticed an award plaque for outstanding architectural conservation from the Association of Siamese Architects under Royal Patronage, and then I understood.
My gaze shifted to an old clock indicating it was just past one in the afternoon. A faint rumble from my stomach signaled it was lunchtime..
“Grandma, are there any delicious restaurants in this market?”
“You’ve really never been here before, have you? Over there… on the opposite side, it’s called ‘Pae Pochana.’ It’s a Michelin-level restaurant, you know!
Their signature dishes are stir-fried featherback fish with holy basil and stir-fried pork stomach with pickled mustard greens. Other things depend on individual taste.”
“Thank you, Grandma. Are the old items in this shop for sale?”
“They’re not for sale, just for display. I’ve been collecting them since I was a child. See that picture? A foreigner came to visit, took my photo, framed it, and sent it to me.” She gestured with her lips towards a picture of herself on display.
“Wow! Such a great smile, and so chatty. Who wouldn’t be charmed?” I teased.
“What can I do? I’m a shopkeeper. If I sit around with a sour face, who would come into my shop?” She finished speaking and burst into hearty laughter, then turned to greet a regular customer good-naturedly. As for me, I took the opportunity to taste the “stir-fried featherback fish with holy basil,” which truly lived up to its reputation. There are also many other restaurants, noodle shops, coffee shops, and dessert stalls in Talat Raheng.
Throughout that afternoon, after savoring coffee and Khanom Bueang (Thai crispy crepes), the feeling of tension gradually eased. Sometimes, by turning off the switch on our awareness of national news and ignoring the claims of political game-players… “Oh dear! I’m 87 years old, what more could I ask for? I’ve lived this long by my own two hands.” This phrase resurfaced in my consciousness, highlighting a stark contrast.
Humans are social creatures who must live together, helping and supporting one another. There are times when we need to rely on help, but not to the extent of demeaning ourselves by succumbing to injustice. “The money they’re distributing, they borrowed it, and then they set all these conditions. To even get it, you have to register, fill out complicated forms, and you don’t even get cash. Bitcoin or whatever, I don’t understand it. Why not just transfer it directly into accounts?”
The image of the market vendor and the atmosphere of the shops fade. What should a truly good economy look like? Perhaps the answer is like taste – different for everyone, in reality, the long-term burden of these decisions falls squarely on the shoulders of future generations.
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