An open-air barber who works under a bridge says loyal customers helped him through the pandemic.

Lao Jongkammun, 49, was a chicken meat porter in the market before he became hairstyling for men in the early 2000s in Bangkok.

His business used to be packed with people as the area is close to Phra Khanong pier, but customers now prefer air-conditioned establishments in malls.

However, barber Lao said their place has survived - particularly during the pandemic - with the help of loyal old-time customers.

He said: ‘I have been giving haircuts under the Khanong bridge for 17 years. We have old-time customers who come for our unique services.'

He added they provide towels, do brows, and groom facial hair.

He said: ‘The special thing about my place is that I also provide customer with refreshing towels, special brows and facial hair cut too.'

Before becoming a barber, he worked as a chicken porter at the nearby fresh food market.

He said: ‘But as the bird flu started, I had less work at the market so I began my apprenticeship as a barber. After three months of training, I received a certificate.'

The barber school helped him find a job at a shop under the bridge until he owned a stall for himself.

He added: ‘Malls and theatres were all here., It drove people here, and they stayed till nine or ten o'clock at night.

‘As a result, the barbers' association decided to set up shops here. A barber is a good job, and I would stay here for a long time.'

The service fee for a cut is 100 baht (2 GBP). Lao's stall is at No. 7 Singh Market under the bridge.

SUBTITLES CAPTIONS ENGLISH TRANSLATION

1.39-1.44
Hello, I am Lao and I have been giving haircuts under the Khanong bridge for 17 years

1.45-1.49
Before becoming a barber, I worked as a chicken porter at the nearby fresh food market

1.50-1.55
But as the bird flu started, I had less work at the market so I began my apprenticeship as a barber

1.56-1.59
After three months of training, I received a certificate

2.00-2.04
Then the barber school found me a job at a shop under this Pra Khanong bridge

2.04-2.08
Back in 1970s Phra Khanong was the downtown area

2.09-2.16
Malls and theaters were all here, so, it drove people here and they stayed till nine or ten o'clock at night

2.15-2.20
As a result, the barbers' association decided to set up shops here

2.21-2.26
The consumers come from all around the world, including Thailand, Southeast Asia, and Europe

2.27-2.38
The special thing about my place is that I also provide customers with refreshing towels, special brows and facial hair cuts, too

2.39-2.45
And the service fee is 100 baht for both Thais and non-Thais

2.46-2.52
A barber is a good job, and I will stay here for a long time

2.53-3.01
If you have the chance, you may find me at Barber No.7 in Singha market, below the Phra Khanong bridge

3.02-3.09 (I think maybe we can cut this part?)
If you like, I will do all of the extra cuts for you for 100 baht