Thailand's new floating market to be soon opened near Government House

BANGKOK, January 23 (TNA) - Thailand's new floating market near Government House in central Bangkok will be opened early next month. Thai Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-ocha, who initiated the idea on opening the new traditional Thai floating market on the Padung Krung Kasem Canal near the government seat, will reportedly inaugurate the new floating market himself on February 2, 2015. The new floating market, set to welcome international visitors on Saturdays and Sundays from 9am to 5pm, is aimed to stimulate domestic tourism and assist local traders to earn regular income, as suggested by the prime minister. The Thai premier, who is also Chief of the army-led National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO), also ordered well-preparations for the public opening of the new ancient Thai style floating market, including cleaning up the Padung Krung Kasem Canal and providing sufficient facilities to international visitors. The Thai premier said he wants the new floating market to be a model for other floating markets to be later opened on other suitable rivers or canals to make use of the country's waterways. (TNA)