2026 Volume 14 Issue 3 Pages 129-146
This study examines how transit-oriented development (TOD) influences the morphological patterns of urban flea markets in Bangkok’s urban and peri-urban fringe. A total of 55 flea markets along the BTS Green Line North Extension were analyzed using rapid field surveys, GIS-based spatial mapping, hierarchical clustering, and principal component analysis (PCA). The study applies four spatial dimensions, time, place, size, and network, to evaluate market characteristics and their relationship to transit accessibility. The results identify three distinct market types. Metro Hub Markets are located near high-accessibility transit nodes and are characterized by permanent structures and dense commercial activity. Locale Marketplaces are situated in low-density residential areas, operate mainly in the evening, and serve nearby communities. Appointment Markets are defined by temporary structures and periodic operation, often linked to institutional or government settings. The findings show that transit accessibility differentiates rather than uniformly intensifies informal market morphology across spatial contexts. This study contributes to urban and planning research by demonstrating how informal commercial systems adapt to transit environments and provides practical implications for integrating flexible market forms into sustainable urban development strategies.
