Catalyzing Change: The Impact of Festivals on Bangkok’s Pak Khlong Flower Market

Abstract

This study examines the transformative impact of festivalization on Bangkok’s Pak Khlong Flower Market, focusing on design interventions and the experiences of local vendors. The introduction of festivals such as Bangkok Design Week has revitalized the market, drawing new customer groups and injecting energy into the area. However, this shift also has brought challenges, including vendor displacement and potential superficial commercialism. The creative interventions, initiated in response to the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration’s 2016 policy, highlight the necessity of continuous evaluation and adaptive management for sustainable urban regeneration. Despite the positive impacts, these changes risk triggering gentrification, threatening the market’s traditional character and leading to the displacement of long-standing vendors. The study employs a mixed-methods approach, incorporating qualitative and quantitative data gathered through participant surveys and focus group discussions. The findings indicate that while festivals have bolstered the local economy and attracted younger, economically active visitors, the benefits have not been evenly distributed among vendors. The strategic placement of artworks and installations has fostered a collaborative atmosphere but also underscored the limitations of short-term festivalization in achieving long-term urban regeneration. Key theoretical insights are drawn from urbanism literature, including the works of Jane Jacobs, David Sim, and Nabeel Hamdi, emphasizing the importance of small, incremental changes and reflective practice. The study critiques the potential negative impacts of gentrification, particularly the displacement caused by large corporations and rising rents, juxtaposing this with the positive outcomes of local vendor-driven gentrification, as exemplified by the All Flora shop. The paper concludes with recommendations for ensuring sustainable development, advocating for continuous evaluation, stakeholder engagement, and balanced integration of modern amenities with the market’s historical essence. Future research should explore the theoretical dimensions of these phenomena, examining how small-scale interventions can influence broader urban policies and practices. This balance between practical action and critical reflection is crucial for navigating the challenges and opportunities of urban regeneration.