Tell us about Thai consumer trends-- do they prefer modern cut flowers or traditional flowers?
Spending in Thailand on flowers was not very high in the past but now it seems to be a little bit better. The local flower is much on demand and growing in high quantity. Lots of flowers find place in the local flower market here. It is growing almost 15-20 per cent every year.

Which local flower it is? Do they prefer domestic flower?
It is roses and other loose flowers. These flowers are always in demand. Local flowers are used to make garland for worship. But for imported flower, they use them for a wide range of arrangement.

Does Thailand import rose, carnation and lillium from China or other countries?
These days, China is growing and improving technology and market. So, they have a wide range of product. Even Holland is giving order for products on auction from China. The flower supplies are coming from Malaysia and Korea also.

What is your understanding about Indian flower market?
As I know, India grows nice roses. The only thing is that people are not get used to it and in India packaging is not good. But now China has a better technology as well as better understanding of quality and attractive packaging. So a lot of new varieties are coming from China.


Thailand is also exporting orchids to India. What is your experience?
Our partners are exporting to somewhere but I don't know whether it includes India or not. But some of them are sending their product through other channels.

What is the price of imported roses from China?
At this moment it is high because it is a post valentine day. And this time there is not much production of flower. So everything is going expensive. At this moment we are buying like an apple pie.

India can also supply roses to Thailand, is it possible? Also, we have now carnation and gerbera of international quality. Can it be possible to import from India also?
They have changed a little bit. They can grow roses up to the standard we use. Yes, it's possible to import not only roses but also gerbera and carnation from India.

What about this dry flower market?
Dry flower market in Thailand is excellent. Here people love to keep flowers for longtime. You can see the collection of thousands of products in this three flower outlet.

Since you came from Hong Kong, before setting up your business network in Thailand, what do you say about the floral arrangement in Hong Kong and other developing countries? They have innovative designing ideas. Is the Thailand market also using modern designing?
Hong Kong is one of the world's most advanced trade centres and you can find here application of all latest trends in floral arrangements. It is not fully European but an exemplary blend of Asians and Europeans. Thailand also does the same. Here we use a products mix for big arrangements but if somebody wants for specific ethnic and cultural look, then the traders do all arrangements for satisfying the consumer. It depends on client as Thailand is a bouquet of different ethnicity like Japanese, Chinese, Malaysian, Indians and other people of developed countries. Each consumer has his own choice for special arrangements. And to cater to their demand, traders employ creative and trained floral designers.

What is the main season in Thailand that creates more flower demand?
November and December month see the demand of flower in abundance and the price during this period is very high. In this period other countries also take part in our market with their unique products and good price.

What is the figure of total number of shops dealing in flower in Thailand?
It is difficult to say the exact number. Here, in this market the people are using space to sell their flower products. You can find here very few air-conditioned shops that sell flowers in bulk and do export and import business also.

Do you want to export or import flowers from India?
We want both because, like last month, here the seasonal flowers were very expensive, but in India it was easily available and thus we imported some flowers from there. But it is China where everybody is rushing to buy flowers.

What about the government policy for imports of flowers?
The problem related with the imported flower is the cost of the tax. Tax is very high. It is 53 per cent for other countries like India but for China it is negligible. That's why China has an advantage over India but scope is there manifold if India offers something new and unique with reasonable price, and at a right time when China supplies become low.

Is Thailand govt. supporting your business?
No, Thailand govt. never supported the flower business. Govt. has no programme to help us, but the growers are very hardworking, growing flowers year round, taking risk on their own. They have made Thailand distinct and reliable supplier of Orchids in the eyes of others. This market provides opportunity to all growers and trade people to come and sell and procure produce here. You can see Mr Naqvi after 5.30 pm in this market. The volume of flowers will increase 10 fold of what it is right now. At that time the entire area of about 1 km will be flooded with flowers only and you will find with much difficulty to place your feet there. It is also an attraction for tourists to come and stay here till late night. You can see thousands of people selling flowers, greens and all other floral products throughout the night. And indeed, we have proud of having such a market in our country and more proud of being a part of this market as one of the main players.