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WHAT TO BUY
Thailand has become one of Southeast Asia's most popular shopping
centres. You find not only Thailand's well-known host of unique
handicrafts, but also a superb choice of luxury buys. All items
are distinguished by fine Thai workmanship and of modern technological
skills.
 The
variety of what to buy is fully matched by an exciting choice of
where to buy. From the ease of modern air conditioned shopping plazas
and department stores to the traditional markets and street stalls,
there is every scope for both the browser and the dedicated bargain-hunter.
In addition in Bangkok, which naturally offers the greatest wealth
of shopping opportunities, other cities and resorts provide excellent
scope, notably for regional handicrafts, such as woodcarving and
other typical northern handicrafts in Chiang Mai, or nielloware
products in the southern city of Nakhon Si Thammarat.
Traditional Handicrafts
Thailand is renowned for its traditional handicrafts. Produced
in variety of designs, these make not only ideal souvenirs gifts,
but are also perfect for design and home decoration.
 Royal
Crafts
No finer examples of craftsmanship can be found then those produced
under royal patronage. In 1976,Her Majesty Queen Sirikit sought
a way both to give rural Thais alternative sources of income and
to revive some of the Kingdom's traditional crafts. The result was
the establishment of the Foundation for Promotion of Supplementary
Occupations and Related Techniques, popularly known as SUPPORT.
The project has flourished and today craftsmen working under SUPPORT
guidance produce a wonderfully rich collection of many kinds of
traditional handicrafts.
Among items available are exquisite hand-woven silks, including
the famous tie-dyed mat mee silks of the Northeast;elegant yan liphao
woven handbags, Thai cottons and many other reasonably priced souvenirs.
These SUPPORT handicrafts can be purchased from the Foundation's
chain of exclusive outlets, known as Chitrlada Shops, and all proceeds
go to the on-going development of the project.
Rattan and Wicker Work
Thailand has earned a fine reputation for its high quality rattan
and wicker furniture. Both elegant and durable, these items are
available in a wide variety of designs and styles. Decorative objects
in rattan and wicker work display an excellent standard of workmanship,
and are ideal for lending a light tropical touch to any interior
decor.
Nielloware
Practiced in southern Thailand for hundreds of years, nielloware
is the craft of decorating gold and silver objects with delicated
designs filled with a metal alloy. Workmanship of high quality today
finds expression in a number of beautiful nielloware trays, boxes,
vases and other items widely available in Bangkok and in the South,
notably in the province of Nakhon Si Thammarat.
Brass & Bronzeware
Shoppers have long recognized the excellent value of made-in-Thailand
brass and bronze-ware. Techniques combine traditional methods with
modern innovations, such as silicon coating to prevent tarnishing,
while designs similarly reflect both the old and the new. Especially
popular are fine cutlery sets, bowls and other tableware, as well
as brass sculptures of figures and animals in classical and contemporary
styles.
Lacquerware
Very Oriental and very attractive are lacquer ware bowls, boxes,
tray and numerous other items for interior decoration or for souvenirs.
Native to Chiang Mai and the North, the craft involves coating split
bamboo or wood with lacquer, then adding intricate hand-painted
designs. Typically, objects are produced in either gold-on-black
lacquer or yellow and green on a red-brown background
Silverware
Silver-beating is another craft traditional to Chiang Mai. Bowls
and boxes with skillfully worked patterns are popular buys, while
vases and other ornaments in both old and modern designs are available
particularly in Chiang Mai and Nakhon Phanom but also in Bangkok
and else where.
Pewterware
Like silver, pewter is fashioned with great skill by Thai craftsmen,
and the smooth, silky finish of this attractive alloy is often enhanced
by delicate decoration. Among pewter ware items are plates, boxes,
vases and pocket flasks.
Ceramics
Pottery of consistently high artistic value has been produced
throughout the Thai history. Various styles, both indigenous and
Chinese-influenced, have predominated at various periods to leave
a rich legacy. So today's shopper is presented with a full choice
of both faithful reproductions of traditional styles and modern
wares. Among the former are the distinctive sea-green celadons,
Chinese blue-and-white and the colourful Bencharong wares which
are unique to Thailand. Modern ceramics are alsoproduced in an exciting
range of contemporary designs which exemplify the continued vitality
of the craft. Whether old or new in style, Thai ceramics are available
in many forms -- from dinner services and bowls to vases and lamp
bases, from small figurines to huge glazed water jars perfect for
garden decoration.
Fabulous Fabrics
The Orient has always been famous for its textiles, and Thailand
in particular has a rich tradition of producing fine hand-woven
fabrics. Best known is Thai silk, which enjoys worldwide renown
and is perhaps the most popular of all the Kingdom's shopping treasures,
but cotton and batik are also available
 Thai
Silk
Produced in countless colours and eye-caching designs, Thai
silk has traditionally been used for clothing, and is sold both
by the length and as ready-to-wear fashions.
With enhanced production in recent years, Thai silk is also now
produced in heavier weights ideal for draperies, upholstery and
other household furnishing. Additionally, the rich fabric is further
used for place mats and napkins, neckties, scarves and other accessories,
as well as exquisite coverings for a whole range of souvenirs from
jewelry boxes to notebooks.
Mat Mee Silk
A unique style of Thai silk, known as Mat Mee, is a handicraft
traditional to the northeast region of the country. Produced from
tie-dyed silk threads, the fabric is hand-woven in a variety of
beautiful designs, typically distinguished by intricate patterns
and subtle colours.
Once a neglected craft, Mat Mee silk has been revitalized in recent
years through rural development projects initiated by Her Majesty
Queen Sirikit. Today, Mat Mee enjoys an unprecedented vogue as a
fashion material favoured by Her Majesty and other members of the
Royal Family.
Cotton & Batik
Thai cotton has gained an enormous reputation over recent years
and is today as famous and as popular as silk. A fabric of fine
texture and durable quality, Thai cotton is produced in a broad
range of colours, prints and embroidered designs, and is found in
a wide variety of goods from clothing to bedspreads, table linen,
cushion covers, rugs, bags and more.
Notable among cottons products are hill tribe handicrafts and batik
designs. Woven in traditional patterns by the tribal people of the
North and typically displaying bold designs and often lavish embroidery,
hill tribe cottons make and especially attractive buy. Difference
in style but equally distinctive are original batiks crafted at
several studios in Bangkok.
Gem and Jewwelly
Bangkok is today the coloured gemstone capital of the world.
The country is a major source of rubies and sapphires, while Bangkok
has also become an established cutting and setting centre for all
kinds of precious stones.
Gems
Bangkok offers many opportunities to purchase polished gems.
Rubies and sapphires are indigenous stones, but virtually all coloured
gems, as well as, increasingly, diamonds, are also available. Shoppers
should exercise caution and know what they are looking for. Remember,
there are no bargains in the gem business, or so few as to be negligible
-- good and cheap simply don't go together when it comes to precious
stones. But what the careful shopper can expect is excellent value
for money.
Jewellery
Jewellery-making facilities have expanded rapidly in recent
years, and today Thailand ranks as the world's second biggest jewellery
exporter. Cutting skills are matched by creative flair in jewellery
design and setting, affording the shopper a splendid choice of quality
items in a wide price range. Alternatively, many leading jewellers
will also accept commissions for custom-made pieces. In addition
to jewellery, gemstone pictures and other decorative items are to
be found.
 Gold
Good and inexpensive craftsmanship, combined with standard gold
prices, make Thai gold articles excellent value. Handcrafted chains,
bracelets, earrings, pendants and other articles are all widely
available at the many specialist gold shops in Bangkok, as well
as at jewellery stores.
Art
Fine art has been produced in Thailand since the birth of the
nation, while the Kingdom's neighbours similarly have a rich tradition
of creating exquisite artworks. Modern art also flourishes today,
and both the collector and the occasional shopper will discover
plenty to catch the eye.
Antiques
Thai, Chinese, Burmese and Khmer antiques are excellent buys.
If you spend the time to look around and shop wisely it is possible
to find items of museum quality. There is an export ban on certain
pieces, while some others require an export license, but any reputable
dealer will advise on restrictions and any necessary documentation.
There are many quality antique shops around Bangkok, but the greatest
concentration is found at River City Shopping Complex, on New Road,
where there is also an antiques auction on the first Saturday of
every month.
Paintings
The Thai art scene is vibrant and there are numerous shops offering
original works by local artists. Subjects range from renderings
of classical temple mural and manuscript paintings to landscapes,
typical Thai scenes and contemporary works of high aesthetic value.
Art lovers should also remember that local framing is inexpensive
and of high quality.
In addition to several art galleries around Bangkok, exhibitions
are held regularly at various leading hotels and other notable venues.
For details, check the "What's On" column of the local
English language newspapers.
Clothing & Accessories
Clothing presents many excellent buys, both men and women's
fashions off-the-peg and tailor made. A whole range of accessories
are also to be found, especially leather goods which offer particularly
good value for money.
Ready-to -Wear
Thailand is one of the world's leading manufacturers of ready-to-wear
clothing, producing garments not only for local shops and department
stores but also for export markets. The staple of this booming business
was formerly T-shirts and jeans, but while these still offer good
value, product lines now include a whole range of fashions which
meet international standards of workmanship and design originality.
Fashion boutiques are found in every shopping mall, while cheaper
clothing is available from the street stalls.
Custom Tailoring
Tailor-made clothing in Thailand is as affordable and as easy as
buying off the peg. There are literally thousands of establishments,
small and large, which can produce the perfect fit in virtually
whatever style you want in just a few days or even hours. Tailors
may suggest patterns or copy any you care to provide, and you can
choose from a wide selection of materials, both locally-made and
imported.
Leather Goods
Complementing Thailand's clothing industry is an extensive production
of quality leather goods. Renowned for their durability and beautiful
designs are shoes, either ready made or made-to-order, leather jackets,
belts, handbags, briefcases, luggage, wallets and a host of other
accessories Specialist leather shops and street stalls, offer a
staggering variety of products at very attractive prices.
Flower & Fun Buys
Not least in Thailand's shopping kaleidoscope are a host of
pleasure and fun buys, ranging from fabulous fresh orchids to artificial
flowers, toys and an array of inexpensive items found on market
stalls.
Thai Orchids
Thailand is blessed with a huge variety of orchids Through meticulous
cross-breeding, plants previously found only in their natural forest
habitat have been domesticated and now more than a thousand species
are available from specialist orchid farms. Magnificent colours
and durable beauty make orchids a very popular purchase. Specially
packaged flowers, complete with water supply, are easily transported
and long retain their freshness and beauty. Orchids may be bought
at many shops in Bangkok and at Bangkok International Airport.
Artificial Flowers
With nimble fingers and a sure eye for beauty, Thais are adept
at producing super artificial plants and flowers. In what is a rapidly
growing export industry, a wonderful variety of faithful replicas
and original imaginative creations are available. All are entirely
hand-made and relatively inexpensive, and make splendid items for
home decoration.
 Thai
Dolls and Toys
The art of doll-making in Thailand dates back hundreds of years
and remains very much alive today. Doll collectors will delight
in a broad assortment of detailed and beautifully crafted figures
of classical dancers in full costume, hill tribe people in their
traditional colourful dress and rural folk. For children there is
a variety of soft cuddly dolls manufactured according to the strictest
international safety requirement.
Fun Buys
On the fun side, you will enjoy the city's numerous traditional
markets. Pak Klong Talat, for example, overflows tropical fruits,
fabulous flowers and fresh produce of all kinds. The Weekend Market,
on the other hand, is packed with stalls selling just about everything
from potted plants to pets, from yesterday's antiques to the latest
pop T-shirts. Alternatively, street stalls mushroom nightly along
Silom Road and other major thoroughfares to offer a colourful array
of fun buys.
WHERE TO SHOP
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. The following is just a selection of some of the
principal shopping districts.
Silom-Surawong-Phatpong :
Silom Road is the main artery of Bangkok's commercial heart and
is paralleled by Surawong Road, while Phatpong rus crosswise between
the two. In addition to housing dozens of specialist shops and boutiques
representing all the major buys, this area also boasts branches
of Central and Robinson's department stores and several shopping
plazas. Street stalls also abound, most notably at Phatpong's famous
night market.
Silom-Mahesak-New Road :
Silom leads into New Road which parallels the Chao Phraya river,
and notable shopping opportunities include gems and jewellery stores
(Mahesak Road is a gem trading centre), Oriental Plaza and River
City Shopping Complex.
Phloen Chit-Ratchadamri :
Found here are, among other, Central, Sogo, Gaysorn Plaza, Isatan,
Zen, TAT's Thailand Duty Free Shops, Amarin Plaza, Peninsula Plaza
with a host of luxury shops, World Trade Center and , not least
, Narayana Phand pavilion, the official handicraft centre selling
items from all parts of the country.
Sukhumvit :
Like Silom, Sukhumvit is one of Bangkok's main thoroughfares,
and the long road is lined with shops, boutiques and modern shopping
plazas.
Pratunam-Phetchaburi :
A highlight of this district is Pratunam Market, one of Bangkok's
biggest traditional centres for ready-to-wear clothing of all kinds.
Banglamphu :
Situated close to the Grand Palace and Temple of the Emerald Buddha,
Banglampu has a lively market where clothing is a popular buy.
 Chinatown
:
Centred on Yaowarat Road and Sampheng Lane, Bangkok's Chinatown
offers a profusion of gold shops as well as two nearby traditional
shopping places, "Thieves Market" and Phahurat Cloth Market.
Chatuchak Weekend Market :
Located at Chatuchak Park, adjacent to Vibhavadirangsit Highway
(leading to the airport),the Weekend Market, open on Saturday and
Sunday, is a Bangkok landmark where you can buy just about everything
from clothing to potted plants -- a paradise for browsers and bargain-hunters
alike.
Baiyoke Tower :
Located next to Bangkok's tallest building is one of the city's
renowed garment centres.
Pinklao-Nakhon Chaisi Road :
This area offers a variety of shops located conveniently close
to the southern bus terminal.
Ratchadaphisek Road :
An up-and-coming commercial district with a branch of Robinson's
department store and the offices and showroom of the Department
of Export Promotion
Bangkok International Airport :
Here there is an extensive range of shops offering a full selection
of Thailand's top buys.
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
silverware, lacquer ware, cotton and silk, hill tribe clothing,
Burmese tapestries and hand-painted umbrellas Pattaya alos offers
plentiful shopping for Thai goods, while virtually all other tourist
centres give ample opportunity for buying gifts and souvenirs, as
well as local specialities.
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 you can obtain a final figure of between
10 to 40 percent lower than the original asking price. There are
no hard-and-fast rules for bargaining, and much depends on your
skills and the shopkeeper's mood. But remember Thais appreciate
god manners and a sense of humour, and they are put off by loud
voices and loss of temper. With patience and a broad smile you will
not only get a better price, you'll also enjoy shopping as an art.
Generally, shopping in Thailand is easy, fun and very rewarding,
but the following advice is useful especially when making gem and
jewellery purchases:
- Never let a tout or a new-found friend take you shopping. Stores
give commissions to these people and that cost is reflected in
the price you pay.
- Choose a shop carefully. With gems, for example, make sure
it is a specialist in that field and not simply a general souvenir
store.
- 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.
Moreover, prestigious hotels generally attract quality shops.
- Shop around to compare prices, though be sure to make comparisons
between like items-- this is especially important with gems and
jewellery.
- Assess the sales assistants. Do they appear knowledgeable?
Are they willing to discuss an item's bad as well as good points.
- Take your time, never let a shop assistant pressure you into
a purchase.
- 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.
- Obtain a receipt for goods bought and check it is correct before
leaving the shop.
- Ultimately, your best guide is what you like. Don't , for example,
buy gems or jewellery for the purpose of re-sale or investment.
They may have such appreciation potential, but there are no guarantees.
Shop for pleasure not for profit.
SHOPPING TRIPS
Department stores and a number of shops in Bangkok have fixed prices,
but at most of the others bargaining is acceptable and expected;
even some department stores will offer a discount on expensive items
like jewellery and fine furniture. No fixed rules can be given on
the process, depending as it does on the bargainer's skill and the
shopkeeper's mood, but the final price may be reduced as much as
30 percent to that first quoted. An important point to keep in mind
is that Thais admire good manners and a sense of humor and tend
to be put off by loud voices and a loss of temper. Providing you
have the time, a good general rule is to make a survey of several
shops selling the sort of items you want before coming to a final
decision.
PACKING AND SHIPPING
With shopping as one of Thailand's major attractions, most shops
are experienced in packing and shipping goods, as well as in arranging
insurance, customs permits and any other necessary documentation.
The Central Post Office also offers a parcel-wrapping service for
those who want to make small shipments themselves. For larger items
or bulk shipments, there are several Bangkok companies who specialize
in such matters.
TRADING OPPORTUNITIES
The Department of Export Promotion (DEP), Ministry of Commerce,
Royal Thai Government, offers the Permanent Exhibition, One Stop
Export Showcase whereby all manufactured Thai quality products are
on display by more than 250 selected exhibitors with more than 10,000
items in the 3 exhibition halls of 4,000 square metres exhibition
area. The same services are also available at DEP regional offices.
You can browse to your content among top quality products ranging
from gift items and handicrafts, all kinds of furniture, toys, leather
products, artificial flowers, garments, food products, construction
materials, auto-parts, hardware, tools and appliances, stationery
and sporting equipment, to mention only some of the items on hand,
all carefully selected for reliability and a high standard of workmanship.
If you find products that suit your requirements, you may contact
the manufacturers directly or DEP staff can provide a variety of
services to help make things easy. For example, they will arrange
appointments with any companies and also provide negotiating rooms
with full office facilities. All of the Permanent Exhibition's services
are free of charge.
For more information please contact Thai Trade Center or a Commercial
Counsellors Office located in your own country, at the nearest Royal
Thai Embassy, or at Department of Export Promotion, Batchadapisek
Road, Bangkok. Tel: 511-5066-77, Telex: 82354 DEPEP TH, Fax: 512-1075,
513-1917
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