# Summary

The author shares their experiences and observations from a visit to a bustling Monday market in Phimai, Thailand, highlighting unique food items and the recent legalization of cannabis.

# Abstract

In the third part of a series on Thailand, the author recounts a memorable trip to the local market, emphasizing the cultural differences in shopping experiences. They describe the vibrant scene, the abundance of fresh produce, and the rarity of beef compared to other meats. The author is particularly intrigued by the fresh sugarcane juice, the variety of seafood, and the healthy selection of vegetables, while also noting the common use of pesticides. A significant highlight is the discovery of cannabis plants and related items for sale, reflecting Thailand's recent shift in drug laws. The day ends with a surprising culinary adventure involving roasted bamboo worms, which, despite their health benefits, don't quite meet the author's taste expectations.

# Opinions

- The author finds the open-air market in Thailand to be a novel and exciting experience compared to shopping in the States.
- They express skepticism about the health benefits of sugarcane juice due to its high sugar content but admit it is refreshing.
- The author notes the scarcity of beef in Thailand, with a preference for fish, chicken, and pork, and occasionally octopus, crab, and shrimp.
- There is a concern about pesticide use on vegetables, advising thorough washing before consumption.
- The author is surprised and intrigued by the legal sale of cannabis plants and paraphernalia, indicating a significant change in Thailand's drug policies.
- The roasted bamboo worms are described as unappealing in taste, compared to "wet sawdust with a crispy shell," suggesting the author would not try them again.

30 Days in Thailand: Part Three

A trip to the market

Busy Monday market in Phimai Thailand. Photo by author.

A trip to the store just isn’t a special occasion in the States. It’s a little different here, at least for now. Open air markets are the thing in Thailand, and every time I go there’s something new or shocking for me to see. Yesterday was a Monday, and that means the big market is open in Phimai.

Sugarcane juice

I remember months ago, seeing Jen process and make this at a neighbor’s house. There’s absolutely no way it can be good for you. I looked for it throughout the entire market and finally found a vendor that sold it.

They send the stalks through a machine that squeezes the liquid out, turning it into a delicious bottle of sugary sweetness. It hits the spot on a hot Thai afternoon.

Fish, Pork, or Chicken?

Hot and ready fish. I think it’s tilapia. Photo by author.

One thing you won’t see much of in Thailand is beef. I see beef cattle grazing from time to time, and I’m not sure why it’s not more popular here. Buffalos are actually more plentiful. Most times, you are lucky to find either one, with fish, chicken and pork being more popular. I often see octopus, crab, and shrimp for sell.

Healthy Food

Fresh vegetables at the market. Photo by author.

There are a lot of vegetables here that I have yet to identify. The bamboo shoots are great when cooked, and cucumbers and different strains of lettuce are always in fresh supply. Carrots, onions, peppers, brocolli, and bamboo shoots are favorites. Pesticide usage is very common here though, so it’s best to wash everything well before cooking or eating.

Freshly prepared delicious Thai food at the market. Photo by author.

Cannabis!

What was the most amazing thing I saw on this trip to the market? It has to be the cannabis plants and paraphenalia. Anyone who has traveled to Southeast Asia before knows that they have very strict laws about drugs. This past year, Thailand began the process of legalizing cannabis. Though the law here still discourages the recreational use of the plant, it doesn’t seem to be enforced very strictly. I was shocked when Jen bought two plants and took them home.

Rain and a cool breeze to end the day. Photo by author.

Plants in the bed of the truck, blowing in the wind, we headed home. Just as I pulled in it started to rain. A torrential downpour soon followed. Frogs, crickets, and a cool evening breeze closed out the day.

Worms to snack on

But wait! We brought something home I wanted to try before bed. I saw these for sale in Chiang Khan, and was tempted to try them then. Roasted bamboo worms are full of protein and fiber. Here goes!

Oh, wet sawdust with a crispy shell. I think I’ll pass on bamboo worms next time. Photo by author.

Thanks for reading and make sure to follow me on Medium for part four of 30 days in Thailand. We have postponed travel because of heavy rains but are hoping for more sunshine soon.