Chatuchak scrubs up

BANGKOK: -- Chatuchak, Bangkok's biggest weekend market, much-frequented by foreign tourists and Thais alike, will carry out a massive cleaning of its premises in the wake of increased H1N1 influenza infections.

The cleaning work will be done today and tomorrow, said Pornthep Techapaiboon, chairman of the market's executives.

Health officials will instruct Chatuchak workers on sanitary procedures and check cleanliness in all areas, including drinking water sold at the market, after some complaints were filed by tourists.

Meanwhile, Deputy Bangkok governor Taya Teepsuwan and Pol Colonel Piyapong Polwanit, superintendent of the Bang Sue police station, told a press conference a tourist aid centre has been set up at Chatuchak weekend market for the 100,000 visitors to the market every Saturday and Sunday.

Many tourists report having been pickpocketed and losing their passports, the deputy governor said, noting that the police often have problems communicating with foreigners.

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is working with Thai Airways International, asking for volunteers with language proficiency to help tourists at this weekend market. The centre will also provide information on travelling in Thailand. Currently, there are 81 volunteers, providing service to tourists from 8am-6pm daily.

-- The Nation 2009-06-15

Unsanitary conditions at JJ?! Oh My !!!!

Cleaning it is fine. But, the way viruses spread, and everyone handling merchandise, the entire market could be recontaminated in a day's time. Anyone visiting this place should take their own precautions, mainly washing hands often and avoiding touching one's face.

Chatuchak scrubs up

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is working with Thai Airways International, asking for volunteers with language proficiency to help tourists at this weekend market. The centre will also provide information on travelling in Thailand. Currently, there are 81 volunteers, providing service to tourists from 8am-6pm daily.

-- The Nation 2009-06-15

81 volunteers! where are they i am at JJ most weekends strolling about what do these English speaking volunteers look like?

JJ is horrible for the closeness of other people so you have to be so careful with your wallet/passport.