Wang Nakhon Kasem Market, locally known as "Waeng," is an historic market with a long history spanning from the reign of King Rama I to King Rama VI. The original site was a royal residence and garden belonging to King Buddha Yodfa Chulaloke the Great.

Historically, this market was famous as the "Thieves Market" because it was a place where stolen goods were bought and sold. It later developed into a legitimate market, especially known for antiques and secondhand goods.

Wang Nakhon Kasem Market is located along Ong Ang Canal, connecting Yaowarat and Bophit Phimuk areas. It has diverse trading, from antiques, collectibles, musical instruments, tools, to electrical equipment.

Wang Nakhon Kasem Market has undergone several major transformations:

Rama I-VI Era: Royal residence and garden

Early Rattanakosin Period: Trading of antiques and goods from various sources began

20th Century: Became center for antiques trading, famous as "Thieves Market"

Present Day: Developed into a legitimate market, primarily featuring antique shops, musical instruments, and tools

A significant transformation occurred when the market was reorganized and specialized trading emerged, particularly in musical instruments, making it a destination for musicians and musical instrument collectors nationwide.

Wang Nakhon Kasem Market features diverse shops divided into main groups:

Musical Instrument Shops: Selling guitars, violins, harmonicas, drums, and Thai-international instruments, both new and secondhand

Antique-Collectible Shops: Antiques, old jewelry, watches, cameras, radios, vintage telephones

Tool Shops: Craftsman tools, electrical equipment, engine parts

Other Shops: Clothing, shoes, old books, vinyl records

Most merchants are 2nd-3rd generation continuing businesses from ancestors, possessing high expertise and specialized knowledge.

Wang Nakhon Kasem Market has connections to the royal family and Thai music circles, especially during the time when Prince Narisara Nuvadtivongs was a musician and supporter of Thai music.

This area was once the center for musicians and instrument makers, with knowledge of instrument making and repair passed down through generations.

Today, Wang Nakhon Kasem Market remains an important place for musicians at all levels, from students to professional musicians and collectors.

Currently, Wang Nakhon Kasem Market faces challenges from urban transformation:

Challenges:
- Changing consumer behavior toward online shopping
- Rising land prices and rental costs
- Decreasing new generation merchants
- Surrounding infrastructure development

Opportunities:
- Cultural tourism destination
- Unique identity in musical instruments
- Source of historical and cultural learning
- Strong community and networks

Conserving and developing Wang Nakhon Kasem Market requires balancing identity preservation with modern adaptation.