Vendor Loses Prime Stall Bid at Lotus Receiving Tradition
Mae Ked lost the bidding war for her longtime stall at the Lotus Receiving tradition in Samut Prakan after the price rose to 450,000 baht. She has since secured a larger nine‑meter area for three stalls at 635,000 baht, hoping to sell additional products to cover higher costs, while urging customers to support her new location. Despite uncertainty about profitability, she vows to continue fighting for her livelihood.
Mae Ked broke down in tears after losing the bid for her regular prime stall at the Lotus Receiving ceremony. She urged customers to support her new stall, saying she will keep fighting despite not knowing if her income will cover costs. On October 19, 2026, following the auction for stalls at the Lotus Receiving tradition at Wat Bang Phli Yai Nai in Bang Phli District, Samut Prakan, the winning bid for the prime spot was 450,000 baht, replacing her long‑time shop, ‘Kalamare Mae Ked’. Reporter Mae Ked, 30, said tearfully that her family has sold there since she was a child, accompanying her father for 20 years. Stall fees started at only tens of thousands of baht and rose with each auction, reaching about 100,000 baht last year, which she could manage. This year’s price exceeded her ability, so she withdrew. During the bidding she had planned to stop at 300,000 baht, but seeing her father teary‑eyed she continued a bit longer at his request. However, at 430,000 baht she felt she could go no further and reluctantly gave up the spot to the winner, following the rules.
After posting her story on her page, she received encouragement from customers and neighboring vendors. Many came to shake her hand and urged her to keep going, even if she had to shift her selling area slightly. This persuaded her to bid again, and she secured a nearby area covering three stalls with a total width of nine meters for 635,000 baht.
When asked why she did not compete for the original stall priced at 450,000 baht but instead bid over 600,000 baht for the new space, Mae Ked explained that the old stall is only three meters wide and can sell only kalamare, whereas the new nine‑meter area allows her to sell three products — kalamare, khanom mo kaeng (sweet custard in a pot), and gelato mo kaeng — enabling her to spread sales across items.
Mae Ked added that, besides the 635,000‑baht stall fee, she must also manage 20 employees, paying each 700 baht per day, a daily wage cost of 14,000 baht, not including product costs and other expenses. Having already prepared the goods and brought her staff, she cannot easily back out and must decide to press on, even though she does not yet know whether her income will cover the expenses.
The annual Lotus Receiving tradition at Wat Bang Phli Yai Nai, also known as Wat Luang Pho To, will be held from October 19 to 27.
