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 For
those who enjoy shopping, Thailand is heaven! From the latest designer
brands to some of the most exquisite handicrafts ever produced,
Thailand is a cornucopia of all things to buy. And not only choice
- you will be truly amazed by the inexpensive prices too!
Bangkok is the capital of shopping malls, open - air markets, road
- side vendors, charming side street antique shops and art galleries.
And best of all, Thai handicrafts, the most famous of which is Thai
silk.
Unsurpassed in the world of fabrics and gracing the runways of
high fashion around the world, where better to make your selection
than in the home of this regal cloth? If you are looking for something
else, try the cool green glaze of Celadon ceramics, the fantastic
five colors of ornate Benjarong pottery, or maybeyour own hand -
painted umbrella.
For connoisseurs of fine jewellery, Thailand is recognized as one
of the world's leading gems and jewellery centers - and again, all
at surprisingly affordable prices.
Shopping is made so easy. All major credit cards are accepted.
English is widely spoken along with some other languages and whether
you arrange a shopping excursion for your delegates or simply leave
them to themselves, they are in Thailand there are endless opportunities
to select the perfect souvenir of a memorable visit. Just remember
to tell delegates to bring an empty suitcase witch them!
Yet another reason why Thailand must be The Preferred Destination.
What to Buy
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.
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| Silk for all occasions.
The diversity of exquisite Thai silk is as amazing as the fine
gold threads that form the intricate designs. |
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.
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.
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| Benjarong poottery characterised
by its five colours can be customised by having your corporate
logo included and is the perfect memento of your trip to Thailand. |
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.
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| The world renowned Floating
Market at Damnernsaduak is a colourful remnant of the olden
days when trade was carried out on the waterways. |
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.
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 eslewhere.
- 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.
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