| |
Shopping
in Thailand
| Shopping |
| A wealth of shopping opportunities
awaits the visitor, and bargains abound throughout our country
in traditional handicrafts, textiles, gems, jewellery and antiques,
as well as more contemporary items.  Gems
: Bangkok is the coloured gemstone capital of the
world. Rubies and sapphires are indigenous stones, but virtually
all coloured gems, as well as diamonds, are available. Shoppers
should exercise caution and buy from reputable dealers only.
Antiques : Thai, Chinese, Burmese and Khmer
antiques are excellent buys. There is an export ban on certain
pieces, particularly Buddha images. Other pieces may require
an export license, but any reputable dealer will be able to
advise on restrictions and any necessary documentation.
Ceramics : Both traditional and contemporary
styles of pottery are available throughout our kingdom. Best
known are the distinctive sea-green celadons from the Sukothai
area, and the central provinces' colourful Benjarong (five
color) porcelain, which are unique to our country.
Nielloware : Practiced in the South for hundreds
of years, nielloware is the craft of decorating gold and silver
objects with delicate etched designs filled with a metal ware.
Nielloware trays, boxes, vases and other items are some of
our best buys.
Lacquerware : A specialty of Chiang-Mai and
the north, this craft involves coating split bamboo or wood
with lacquer, then adding intricate hand-painted designs typically
gold-on-black lacquer or yellow and green on a red brown background.
Look out for lacquerware bowls, boxes, trays and other items
for decoration or for souvenirs.
Thai Orchids : We're famous for our huge
variety of orchids and their magnificent colours and durable
beauty make them a popular purchase. Specially packaged flowers,
complete with water supply, are easily transported and can
be conveniently purchased at Bangkok International Airport.
Furniture : Rattan and rosewood furniture
items are available in many designs and styles and can also
be made to order. Shops in Bangkok and Chiang Mai have a wide
selection and can arrange shipment overseas.
Hilltribe Crafts : The tribal groups who
live in the hills of the north make a variety of beautifully
embroidered textiles and silver jewellery. Chiang Mai is the
centre for such goods.
Clothing : We're one of the world's leading
manufacturers of ready-to-wear clothing. Fashion boutiques
are found in every shopping mall, while cheaper clothing such
as T-shirts and jeans are available at bargain prices from
street vendors. Custom tailoring is also very affordable and
tailors can produce or copy most styles in just a few days.
Silk : Probably the most famous of all our
kingdom's handicrafts, silk is available in a range of colours,
patterns and plys, and is sold by the yard, or as ready-made
clothing and souvenir items. A unique style of Thai silk is
Mat Mee, a tie-dye silk traditional to the North-east. The
best known outlet for Thai silk is undoubtedly Jim Thompson's
shop at the top of Surawong Road in Bangkok.
Cotton & Batik : Our Thai cottons have
become increasingly popular and are a good deal. Particularly
notable are the hilltribe cottons woven by the tribal people
of the North, typically displaying bold designs and often
lavish embroidery. Equally distinctive are original batiks
crafted at several studios in Bangkok.
Pewterware : Pewter is fashioned with great
skill by Thai craftsmen, and the smooth, silky finish of this
attractive alloy is enhanced by delicate relief decoration.
Pewterware items include plates, boxes, vases and pocket flasks.
|
| Where
to shop |
In Bangkok :
Shopping in Bangkok is not limited to one or two major streets,
and there are many areas throughout the city affording ample
choice and easy access. Here's just a selection of some of the
places to go shopping!
Chatuchak Park Weekend Market :
A famous Bangkok landmark where you can buy just about everything
from clothing to potted plants - a paradise for browsers and
bargain- hunters alike.
Silom-Mahesak-New Road :
Many gems and jewellery stores are found here, also the River
City Shopping Complex, known for its quality antique stores
and regular auctions.
Silom-Surawong-Patpong :
The commercial heart of Bangkok. Houses dozens of specialist
shops, boutiques and shopping plaza representing all the major
buys. Street stalls also abound, most notably Patpong's famous
night market.
Ploenchit-Ratchadamri :
Many department stores and shopping malls are here, including
the World Trade Centre, with dozens of shops and restaurants,
and the Siam Centre, which contains many fashionable boutiques.
Opposite the World Trade Centre you will find the Narayaphand
Pavilion, the official handicraft centre selling items from
all parts of the country.
Chitralada Shops: Outlets for Her Majesty Queen Sirikit's SUPPORT
Foundation, which encourages the production of traditional Thai
handicrafts. Chitralada shops can be found in Bangkok and other
major travel destinations such as Pattaya and Chiang Mai.
Pratunam-Phetchaburi :
Pratunam Market, one of Bangkok's garment districts, is the
place to go for low-priced clothing of all kinds.
Bang Lamphu :
Close to the Grand Palace and Temple of the Emerald Buddha,
Bang Lamphu has a lively market where clothing is a popular
buy.
Beyond Bangkok :
The main city for shopping outside the capital is Chiang Mai,
which ranks as one of the world's largest centres for handicrafts
and cottage industries. The extensive range of local products
includes cotton and silk, hilltribe clothing, Burmese tapestries,
hand-painted umbrellas and lacquerware, and many such items
can be found at its fascinating Night Bazaar. Pattaya also offers
plentiful shopping for Thai goods while virtually all other
cities and resorts provide ample opportunity for buying gifts
and souvenirs, as well as local specialties. |
| Shopping
advice |
| Fixed prices
are the norm in department stores and a number of shops in
Bangkok, but at most other places bargaining is acceptable
and expected. Generally, shopping in Thailand is easy, fun
and very rewarding, but the following advice is useful especially
when making gem and jewellery purchases :
- Shop around to compare prices
- this is especially important with gems and jewellery
- Obtain a receipt for goods
bought and check if is correct before leaving the shop
- Never let a tout or new
found friend take you shopping. Stores give commission to
these people, and the cost is reflected in the price you
pay.
- In general, jewellery items
cannot be returned. If refunds are allowed, then often 25-30%
of the selling price will be deducted as "costs of
damages". More reputable companies may offer a full
refund although usually only within a certain time limit,
such as 30 days. Do not believe any claims by shop owners
that purchases can be refunded at Thai embassies, consulates
or other government offices overseas.
- Reputable shops will give
a written agreement to a full refund on any goods returned
within 90 days. If a shop refuses to do this, go elsewhere.
- Shops in hotel arcades pay
high rents and accordingly prices tend to be higher than
at street shops. On the other hand, hotel arcades are very
convenient if you have little time for shopping.
|
|
|
