Thousands of people are lying down in Sanam Luang each night. Not because they have nowhere else to rest, but in order to receive a soothing traditional massage in an exotic setting.

Watch closely and you'll see them flip and stretch every now and again.

You can choose from as many as 400 masseuses, each with their own mats, pillows and umbrellas.

"The service here is good. If you have never tried it, you should," one woman says. "At least, you are supporting an honest occupation".

She says she got her first massage here after attending a pro-government rally.

"I was very cautious at first because there were so many people walking around," she says. "But, you know, this is an unique experience. Where else can you get a traditional massage in such an open space?"

Massages at Sanam Luang begin around sunset. By then, a cool breeze blows and the night makes customers less aware of passers by and vehicles on nearby roads.

"Jit", 37, charges just Bt100 for a one-hour massage.

"I have decades of experience," she says. "I was laid off from the parlour I worked at because there are many younger, good-looking women from Burma and Laos," she explains.

She refuses to give her real name out of concern her relatives will be upset to find her working on the street.

Jit earns about Bt300 a day, working from 7pm to 4am. She has been working here for about one year and the income was sufficient for her thus she did not have to have other works. She insists her working environment is safe. Everyone takes care of one another.

"I fall asleep sometimes, but that's okay," Jit says.

Her business is simple. She pays Bt20 rental a day for a pillow, a mat, blanket and umbrella. Then, she puts up her sign. As the masseuses increased from 100 to 400 persons now, she expressed a concern of fighting over a customer.

Jit said she hope the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration officials would not drive her and fellow masseuses away from Sanam Luang because it was a decent profession.

But, a Bangkok Metropolitan Administration official warns the masseuses need permits before plying their trade.

"But, if we arrest them the public says we're bullying poor people," he says.

He adds unauthorised street trade and massage pollutes Sanam Luang.