Isaan Fresh-food Market Petty Traders’ Adaptation to New Competitive Situation from the 2500’s to Present

Abstract

          The number of Fresh-food markets in Isaan had increased greatly during the past six decades owing to the increase in population of the region.  On the other hand, there also had been the emergence of hypermarkets, first in the larger towns since the 2530’s, and gradually expanded into almost every town in Isaan.  A lot of shoppers have found it more convenient in terms of time saving to shop at the hypermarkets where they can find practically almost every things they need for daily life. The situation was worsened further by the increased number of flea markets where people can buy anything from fresh fruit and vegetables to household products. To cope with this change in the shopping trend the petty traders have resorted to adapting new tactics of changing their selling times, preserving their goods through transfiguration, transfiguration of produces for easy cooking, packaging changes and the use of vinyl banners to publicize their goods.  All of these endeavors by the petty traders are aimed at holding back their clientele. The episode clearly demonstrates how great the buying power of the buyers in the free capitalist

market is.