BURIRAM, THAILAND – An unusual cold spell in northeastern Thailand sent residents flocking to night markets in search of cheap secondhand winter jackets.
Cold at 22 degrees drives demand
What felt like summer weather to many Europeans was perceived as biting cold in northeastern Thailand, where temperatures of around 22 degrees Celsius prompted students, low-income earners and office workers to crowd local night markets. They were all looking for the same thing: affordable winter clothing. In the markets of the Buriram Municipality, traders reported a rush as new winter garments in shopping centers and conventional markets had simply become unaffordable for many.
Secondhand seller celebrates soaring takings
Yodthong, a 51‑year‑old secondhand dealer, said the cold snap had transformed his business.
“My daily takings have jumped to 2,000 or 3,000 baht,”
said Yodthong, secondhand trader. During the rainy season, he would barely make 1,000 baht on quiet days, and he now expected his sales to double again.
Memories of even stronger winter sales
The experienced merchant recalled that even higher figures had been possible in previous years.
“In particularly cold winters, sales have even reached 7,000 or 10,000 baht per day,”
said Yodthong, secondhand trader. He and his colleagues were already preparing for the next rush.
Bargain prices for warm clothing
Prices at the stalls were strikingly low: a used jacket started at just 20 baht (about €0.50), while even top‑quality pieces cost no more than 250 baht (about €6). This represented only a fraction of the price of new winter wear, and demand rose accordingly. In one image from the market, jackets were visibly offered at 35 baht each, a bargain for anyone needing protection from the chill, reported Surachai Piragsa of the Bangkok Post.
Hygiene assurances for used garments
Vendors stressed that every secondhand item was thoroughly washed and disinfected before being put on sale. Customers could therefore be confident they were not buying unhygienic goods, traders repeatedly emphasized. Cleanliness was extremely important to the sellers, who aimed to keep customers coming back beyond the current cold wave.
Cold snap expected to persist
According to forecasts, the unusual drop in temperatures was expected to continue for some time, promising further rising revenues for secondhand dealers. Yodthong and other traders were restocking warehouses and expanding their stalls in anticipation of more shoppers. For many residents of Buriram, the cheap used jackets had become a vital lifeline, underlining how differently cold weather was experienced around the world.