LAMPANG– The internet has been buzzing after social media users posted photos that made many want to give up eating pork altogether. These images showed a well-known market vendor in central Lampang laying fresh pig heads straight onto the pavement, as if they were rubbish.
The footpath was dirty, covered in bird droppings, and complaints have poured in for ages without any solution. The situation took an odd twist when this same market received a ‘quality market’ award for 2025.
Locals’ social feeds were filled with strong criticism. A Facebook user shared pictures of the raw pig heads and other pork parts on the ground, not placed on trays or any clean surface, looking like market waste.
The post came with the caption, “Does it have to be this bad? Anything goes in Lampang, apparently. Customers have no idea.”
Many people started commenting, all showing their frustration and anger. No one felt this was acceptable behaviour. One person said, “If pig heads are handled like this, imagine the ground pork!”
Another wrote, “If you could see the roof above the pork stalls, you’d be shocked.” Others added, “Are these to be sold or thrown away?” and “That’s it, I’ll stop buying here. I’ll get my pork and fish from the supermarket instead. Cleaner, safer.
But stall owners blame sales on the economy when it’s this dirty.” Some simply said, “No one else to blame. Your stall is filthy.”
Lampang Market Cleanliness
Reporters checked the scene and found that it was the footpath around the city’s main market, Thesaban 1, a historic market watched over by Lampang Municipality. Alongside the concerns seen online, locals have also raised issues about cleanliness for a long time.
Things are worse with the pigeons and their droppings, which smell and make the area look even dirtier. Stall owners have often complained to the authorities, but nothing has changed.
Some vendors put up plastic sheets above their stalls to shield their goods, so customers avoid walking inside in case birds drop waste from above. This forces many vendors to sell outside instead, and shoppers now avoid the indoor area.
The provincial governor Chutidej Meechan, mayor Punnasin Maneenun, city councillors, senior officials, and municipal staff visited Thesaban 1 Market to inspect the problems. They saw the poor conditions, with many birds nesting above and plenty of droppings, ruining the market’s image and causing trouble for sellers and shoppers. A meeting was held to discuss improvements on 8th July, but nothing has been fixed yet.
Residents, especially those who use the city’s main market, feel puzzled. Despite years of neglect and many unresolved issues, the Department of Local Administration picked this market as one of the province’s three ‘quality markets’ for 2025.
The awards went to: first, Thesaban 2 (Asawin) Market; second, Hang Chat Municipal Market; and third, Thesaban 1 (the main city market). The award ceremony took place on 18th August 2025, led by Deputy Governor Nittiya Pongpanich, who handed out certificates to local authorities.
Markets in Lampang
Fresh markets in Lampang, like elsewhere in Thailand, are characterized by their fresh, often locally sourced goods and wet floors due to the use of water to keep produce fresh and clean stalls.
These markets are typically bustling with vendors selling everything from vegetables and fruits to live seafood and meats, often reflecting the region’s culinary diversity. However, Lampang’s markets are generally smaller and less tourist-oriented compared to those in major cities.
Talaat Rassada
- Location: Across the Ratsadapisek Bridge in central Lampang.
- Description: This is the main city center market in Lampang. It’s described as not particularly noteworthy unless you’re passing by, suggesting it’s a functional market primarily for locals. It likely includes wet market stalls with fresh produce, meats, and seafood, as is typical for central markets in Thai cities. The market may not be a major attraction, but it serves as a practical spot for daily shopping needs.
Talaat Kao Jao
- Location: Near the railway station, slightly outside the city center.
- Description: This market is livelier, especially in the mornings, and is known for its rice and noodle stalls alongside fresh goods. It’s likely to have wet market characteristics, such as stalls selling fresh vegetables, fruits, and possibly live seafood or meats. The morning bustle makes it a good spot to experience local food culture.
Kad Kong Ta Street Market
- Location: On the riverbank along Talaat Khao Road, in the old town area.
- Description: This is a popular weekend market held on Saturdays and Sundays from around 17:00 to 21:00. While primarily known as a walking street market with handicrafts, food stalls, and a cultural atmosphere, it may include wet market elements such as fresh produce or seafood, especially given its riverside location and focus on local cuisine. Reviews highlight its vibrant mix of food, souvenirs, and traditional music, making it a must-visit for a taste of Lampang’s local life.
