The Origin and Evolution of Flea Market in Surin Province

Abstract

            This article aims to present the origin and development of the flea market in Surin province and points out the importance of the flea market in both the economy of the community and local wisdom. The study found that the trade-in Surin started from Chinese merchants by peddling goods to the provinces by horse caravans and repurchasing them for sale. Later in 1926, when the railway route passed Surin province, the caravans, therefore, ended. Surin's economy is continuously growing. There is the occurrence of markets and flea markets such as cattle-buffalo markets. The flea markets every ten days. In the year 1997, the economic downturn some businesspersons, who suffered losses have brought products to sell in Khlong Thom and peddled in other provinces, including Surin. Later, it became a Khlong Thom market in various areas throughout the country. The Khlong Thom Market in Surin officially began in 2004 and has developed a growth to expand the Khlong Thom market throughout all districts. During the year 2003, there was a green flea market in Surin province, which is a pilot province for organic agriculture. The private organizations and the government cooperate to open space for farmers to have ways to create income and increase choices for consumers who like healthy food. In addition, the green market concept has expanded to various areas of Surin Province so that farmers in the area have the opportunity to increase their income. In 2015, Surin Province also opened a silk market for the weavers to distribute the products. By the end of 2017, the Ministry of Interior organized a civil state market project, which is an integration between the government and private sectors. To allocate space for the distribution of goods for sale so that the people can survive. There are many flea markets in Surin province. They are reflecting the economic and cultural dimensions of the community as well.