Lat Krabang district office has come to the rescue of a floral exhibition that turned a sleepy old community beside a canal into a must-go destination on the edge of Bangkok.
The RakDok group, which organises RakDok Floral Weeks, had decided to close the trendy event at Hua Takhe community market on Sunday, after complaints to health authorities on Wednesday that the influx of visitors could spread the coronavirus.
However, a message posted on Facebook on Sunday reversed the decision at the last moment, and it will instead remain open to visitors, as initially planned, until Aug 4.
The organisers said Lat Krabang district office would assign staff to enforce health screening measures to prevent the spread of the virus and to direct traffic to ease congestion, so the exhibition could continue.
The decision was the outcome of a visit by district chief Thanasit Methapanmuang on Sunday.
The floral exhibition opened at the market by Prawet Burirom canal on July 4. It quickly became a trendy spot, a place to be seen and the talk of the town, drawing thousands of visitors to the small community market.
The market rarely had visitors until the display was held there. The exhibitors decorated the wooden houses along the small alleyway the community occupies with flowers - making the coffee houses, gift shops and galleries more attractive to visitors. (continues below)
The location of the market
The organisers put on the exhibition at their own expense to help people in the community hit by the coronavirus outbreak. But as it drew people, it also drew complaints of crowding and that visitors were vulnerable to the spread of Covid-19.
After a visit by health officials on Wednesday, the organisers admitted defeat.
"The company is unable to be responsible if people catch Covid-19 after visiting the exhibition," it said on its Facebook page. The exhibition would close on Sunday, the announcement said.
Instead, it will now continue as planned. (continues below)
The trendy Hua Takhe market in Lat Krabang district. (Video by Jetjaras Na Ranong)
RakDok is run by Rainforest Co, which provides floral decorations for events and organises wedding ceremonies and other activities.
Organisers said although the exhibition and other activities would continue, it would give priority of admission to senior citizens of 65 years and older and their companions.
