Chiang Mai’s empty foodmarket

The Thai food markets. An indispensable part of Thai and East Asian culture. This is where it happens. Every early morning, people come here to shop for that which is indispensable: sharing a meal together.

Here and there, you hear rustling among the bags stored under the tables. Mice. Occasionally, a cat pounces after them. In some places, the food is neatly stored behind lock and key. In others, under a little blanket. Bottles of soy sauce, boxes of rice, packs of curry.

Late at night, supplies for the next day are delivered through the back of the food market. It’s almost unimaginable that, in a few hours, this place will teem with people. Calendars, images of Buddha, and photos of grandchildren adorn the walls, likely those of the vendors well beyond the Dutch retirement age.

Chiang Mai, Thailand, February 2023