Ratchaprasong may be well known as a place of worship to both Thais and tourists, but no one is more familiar with the area than the flower wreath vendors along Phloen Chit Road. Atsachan "Chan" Meesat, 57, and Lek Laddanon, 28, are two of a number of vendors who come to the area nearly every day to sell flowers both on the sidewalks surrounding the intersection and directly on the corner outside Erawan Shrine. Here, they discuss the aftermath of the bombing and how it has affected their work.

How long have you been selling in this area?

Chan: I’ve been selling here for about 30 years, since when my kids were young. Now they are in their late 20s and early 30s. I sell mostly to tour groups but there are also Thais who regularly come to pray here. 

Lek: I’ve been selling here for about seven years. It’s like my family around here. I know everyone; my friends are street vendors in this area and we've grown up together. Even though it's not a real family business, that's how it feels.

Were you here during the bombing?

Lek: No, it was a Monday so the stalls were not allowed to sell that day. 

How long before you realized a bomb had gone off?

Chan: At first, I thought it was a car tire bursting because those things happen all the time. There was no screaming or anything. But then there was a large amount of smoke and debris flying around which made me realize it was a bomb.

What did you do in the initial aftermath?

Chan: I just stood there. I couldn’t move because I was in shock and people were shouting to leave because there might be another explosion. The BTS stopped running. Traffic wasn't moving. The next day I went to pray at the temple.

Can you describe the situation around you after the incident?

Chan: There was glass all over the ground which made it difficult to walk around that area. I couldn't find where to go. Smoke and debris were everywhere. It took some time until the police arrived at the situation. People were helping each other find ways to escape as soon as possible.

Do you know anyone who was killed or injured by the blast?

Chan: Yes, the person beside me was injured. She was selling flowers with me. Both of our hearing has been affected. I just came back from the doctors because my ears are still ringing.

Lek: One vendor I know was out selling at the intersection. He broke his jaw and suffered some internal injuries. He was in intensive care but thankfully he's out now. I'm not sure how well he's recovered.

How has your daily life been affected by the blast?

Chan: Since the incident there have been far fewer people. Even though there are police around, people still don’t have to courage to come and pray. 

Are you afaid to keep working here?

Chan: Of course, but I still have to work. But now that I’ve seen the police around everyday, I have more confidence in working again.

Lek: Not really. There is a police presence to make us feel more safe, and we all help to look out for suspicious people. Sometimes tourists want to leave their things with us when they go in to pray, but we cannot allow that. I can hold on to things if they're in a plastic bag because we can see what’s inside. But if it’s a backpack, no! 

Do you think it was appropriate to reopen the shrine so soon after the bombing?

Lek: I don’t know if it's right or wrong. But for me, as a seller, it means I can continue doing my work, though as you can see, the area has been very quiet despite the presence of police to make us feel more secure.

Chan: I just want people to keep praying. I honor this place so I want faith to return.