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Written by Shirley T
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Thursday, 17 July 2008 05:00 |
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 "Toyota car engine!" This was the line spilled out by an engineer who traveled with us to Damnoen Saduak Floating Market in Ratchaburi province, roughly 80 km southwest of Bangkok. Being curious, we tried to look around to check out which boat was selling car engines. Oh, sorry! He actually meant most engine-operated canal boats were installed with a second hand engine that used to belong to a car. More than a couple of Mitsubishi car engines were also spotted there. After chatting with a local, we found that a second hand car engine might cost about 20 K to 30 K Baht in Thailand. Most of these boats were used to take tourists traveling along the canals and visiting the floating market.
The advantage of using car engine is getting an over-powered boat that could take heavier load and speed faster. The engine has been modified to be single geared with capability to run forward or reverse only. The shortcoming is pollution as some of these engines were rather old and not well-maintained. As part of the modifications, the exhaust protruded out at face level. If you are following behind one, and she decides to accelerate, you are almost certain to be choking in exhaust smoke.
It was great to see the signboard of 'Engine Stop' along the main canal where the busy Damnoen Saduak Floating Market was located. However, it would be even better if the engine operated boats are only allowed in further surrounding area, about 500 to 800 m away from the main canal. In my humble opinion, manual paddled boats around the vicinity of Damnoen Saduak Floating Market will definitely maintain its charm as one of the most unique water markets or Talad Nam (Talad means Market, Nam means water in Thai) in this region.
If you are looking to stay at this place you may try find your hotels in Bangkok
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Damnoen Saduak Floating Market: Car Engines on the boats?
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