The atmosphere of rose trading at Pak Klong Talad, Bangkok’s flower market is lively as various shops are stocking up flowers to welcome the Valentine’s festival, offering both locally grown and imported varieties, available as bouquets or bundles.
“Anchan” Fresh Flower shop remains open around the clock during the festival to receive both walk-in and phone orders. Some customers order large bouquets, up to 99 stems, priced at 25,000 baht.
Meanwhile, a vendor expressed concern over the limited availability of roses this year. Initially fearing insufficient stock, they now observe a moderate turnout of customers, despite prices not significantly higher than those before the COVID-19 pandemic.
For instance, foreign variety red roses grown in Thailand, bundled in sets of 25 stems, are priced at 250 baht per bundle, or only 10 baht per stem. Previously, during Valentine’s, the price of such rose started at least at 50 baht per stem. Thai variety roses, on the other hand, are sold in bundles of 50 small blooms for 300 baht.
Beautifully arranged bouquets start at around 500 baht. Since the pandemic, consumer behavior has shifted, with some opting for online gift purchases or giving cash instead of flowers, said a vendor.
Additionally, artificial flower shops display cute and red-themed items, including teddy bears, heart-shaped pillows, and even lottery bouquets accompanied by banknotes, priced at 1,650 baht and above. For budget-conscious buyers, there is an option for a cheaper bouquet, decorated with 20-baht banknotes, artificial roses and a small bear for less than 200 baht.
Meanwhile, in Chiang Mai province, the rose gardens situated on high hills in Mae Rim district, growers face challenges due to fluctuating weather conditions, including cold spells, rainfall, and hot weather, causing a decrease in rose yields. Moreover, they encounter diseases and pests, resulting in less attractive blooms.
Many garden owners are forced to discard unsellable flowers. The erratic weather also leads to earlier-than-scheduled blooming, up to a week before Valentine’s, compared to the usual 2-3 days, compelling them to sell at normal prices to middlemen. Prices at the garden gate are set at 150-200 baht for a bundle of 25 flower stems this year, whereas during Valentine’s, prices usually rise to 250-300 baht per bundle.
This situation causes losses for many farmers. However, some rose growers adjust their sales strategies, shifting to online sales of rose trees, generating tens of thousands of baht in additional income per month. (TNA)
