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.
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. 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.
Thai Silk 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. Pewter is fashioned with great skill by Thai craftsmen, and the smooth, silky finish of this attractive alloy is enhanced by delicate relief decoration. Pewter ware items include plates, boxes, vases and pocket flasks.  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. 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.
Silver Ware 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. 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. 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 lacquer ware bowls, boxes, trays and other items for decoration or for souvenirs. 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.
Thai Orchids 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. The tribal groups who live in the hills of the north make a variety of beautifully embroidered textiles and silver jewelry. Chiang Mai is the centre for such goods In Bangkok
Shopping in Bangkok is not limited to one or two major streets. There are many areas throughout Bangkok affording ample choices and easy access. The principal shopping areas in downtown Bangkok which boasts many specialist shops, shopping plazas, and department stores include Silom, Siam Square, Ratchadamri, Ploenchit, Pratunam, Bang Lamphu and Chatuchak Park Weekend Market. The main city for shopping outside the capital is Chiang Mai, which ranks as one of the world's largest centers 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. Central

Topic	Location	Contact	Topic	Location	Contact
Central World	Bangkok	0 2272 4440-1	Siam Paragon	Bangkok	0 2269 1000
Chatuchak Weekend Market	Bangkok	0 2264 5555	The Emporium	Bangkok	0 2121 8000
MBK Center	Bangkok	0 2690 1000	The Platinum Fashion Mall	Bangkok	0 2620 9000

Topic	Location	Contact	Topic	Location	Contact
Central Festival Pattaya Beach	Pattaya	0 3300 3999	Rong-klear market	Sakaew	0 3723 0144-5
Outlet mall Pattaya	Pattaya	0 3842 7764-5	Premium Outlet Cha-am	Chonburi	0 3247 3000-3

Topic	Location	Contact	Topic	Location	Contact
Central Airport Plaza Chiang Mai	Chiangmai	0 5322 4999	Central Plaza Chiangrai	Chiangrai	0 5202 0999
Central Kad Suan Kaew	Chiangmai	0 2635 1111	The Warorot Market	Chiangmai	0 5323 2592

Topic	Location	Contact	Topic	Location	Contact
Outlet mall Khao Yai	Nakhon Ratchasima	0 4437 7555-8	Premium Outlet Udon Than	Udon Thani	0 4293 1234-6

Topic	Location	Contact	Topic	Location	Contact
Central Festival Phuket	Phuket	0 7629 1111	Outlet Village Krabi	Krabi	0 7570 1222-4
Jungceylon (Phuket Square)	Phuket	0 7660 0111	Premium Outlet Phuket	Phuket	0 7635 0500-3

Central

Topic	Location	Contact	Topic	Location	Contact
Batik handmade	Bangkok	0 2295 1256	Phufa	Bangkok	0 2655 6242-3
Jim Shomson	Bangkok	0 26475 6088	Siam Handicraft Center	Bangkok	0 2265 9394
Panthip Thai Silk	Bangkok	0 2281 4724	White silk	Bangkok	08 9120 4521

Topic	Location	Contact	Topic	Location	Contact
Burapha Classic Art	Chonburi	0 3870 6340	Line Thai & Batik	Pattaya	0 328 0740
Lee La Cotton	Rayong	08 7743 4358	Pattaya Floating Market	Pattaya	0 3828 3430

Topic	Location	Contact	Topic	Location	Contact
Diya Shop	Chiangmai	0 5323 2304	Nopparat Handicraft	Chiangmai	0 5384 0414
Ban Rai Phai Ngam	Chiangmai	08 1030 5656	Shinawatra Thai Silk	Chiangmai	0 5322 1076
Huanfai Dai Ngam	Chiangmai	0 5396 0314	Studio Naenna	Chiangmai	0 5322 6042

Topic	Location	Contact	Topic	Location	Contact
Chattong Thai Silk	Nakhon Ratchasrima	0 4428 4465	Baan Kok Jik	Burirum	08 6265 6540
Vijitrat Thai Silk	Roi-Et	0 4351 5753	Som Kid Cotton	Ubon Ratchathani	08 1966 2518
Surin Thai Silk	Surin	0 4453 9114	Chanruan Nakha	Udon Than	0 4220 6276

Topic	Location	Contact	Topic	Location	Contact
Jim Shomson	Phuket	0 7627 0957	Phuket Batik	Phuket	0 7621 1849
Petch thong Thai Silk	Suratthani	0 7743 1337	See San Batik	Satun	0 7472 1881
Pumreang, Local Thai silk	Suratthani	0 7743 1337	Sam Phao Thong Batik	Nakhon Si Thammarat	0 7547 2071

Central

Topic	Location	Contact	Topic	Location	Contact
1st Victor	Bangkok	0 2476 0528	Oriental Pewter	Bangkok	0 2211 9126
Arthur's Pewter	Nakhon Pathon	0 2811 95057	Royal King's Pewter	Nakhon Pathon	0 2368 2194
Bangkok Piewter	Bangkok	0 2711 4075	Royal Thai Pewter	Bangkok	0 2370 2667
Erawan Pewter Trophy	Nakhon Pathon	0 2391 7856	Siam Pewter	Bangkok	0 2377 7532-3
Kajit Pewter	Bangkok	0 2510 8771	Thai Piewterware	Samut Prakarn	0 2315 1965

Topic	Location	Contact	Topic	Location	Contact
Loy Far Collection	Chiangmai	0 5381 7254	Wualaisilpa	Chiangmai	08 3471 8711

Topic	Location	Contact	Topic	Location	Contact
Bo Rae Ban Santisuk (OTOP)	Phuket	0 7639 1681	Wang Talang International Lapidary	Phuket	0 7652 1600

Central

Topic	Location	Contact	Topic	Location	Contact
Gaysorn Plaza	Bangkok	0 2656 1149	Supaporn Diamond	Bangkok	0 2223 4185
NARA Joaillerie	Bangkok	0 2438 4000	The Aurora Gold & Gems	Bangkok	0 2749 5044-250
Prima Gems Shop	Bangkok	0 2255 9662	The Emporium	Bangkok	0 2690 1000
Siam Paragon	Bangkok	0 2690 1000	Tiara Gems Shop	Bangkok	0 2269 1000

Topic	Location	Contact	Topic	Location	Contact
Central Festival Pattaya Beach	Pattaya	0 3300 3999	Mee Chai Gems	Chanthaburi	08 4070 9304
Gems Gallery Pattaya	Pattaya	0 3837 1222-31	Nakhon Unyamanee	Chanthaburi	0 3931 3515

Topic	Location	Contact	Topic	Location	Contact
Central Airport Plaza Chiang Mai	Chiangrai	0 5322 4999	Gems Gallery Chiangmai	Chiangmai	0 5333 9307-10
Central Plaza Chiangrai	Chiangrai	0 5202 0999	SHIRAZ Jewelry	Chiangmai	0 5383 9635-6

Topic	Location	Contact	Topic	Location	Contact
Central Plaza Khonkaen	Khonkaen	0 4300 1000-29	Central Plaza Udonthani	Udonthani	0 4224 9192

Topic	Location	Contact	Topic	Location	Contact
Central Festival Phuket	Phuket	0 7629 1111	Gems Gallery Phuket	Phuket	0 7625 5011-10
Jungceylon (Phuket Square)	Phuket	0 7660 0111	Phuket Pearl Factory	Phuket	0 7623 8002

Central

Topic	Location	Contact	Topic	Location	Contact
Chatuchak Weekend Market	Bangkok	0 2272 4440-1	Paul's Antiques	Bangkok	0 2253 9025
Dinthong Pottery	Bangkok	0 2741 9277-8	Rama Antique Shop	Bangkok	0 2235 7991
Kao Kuek	Nonthaburi	08 1425 9452	Road Fai Market	Bangkok	08 6126 7787
OP Place	Bangkok	0 2266 0186-95	The Silom Galleria	Bangkok	0 2630 0944-50

Topic	Location	Contact	Topic	Location	Contact
Kalae Art & Dcor	Pattaya	0 3841 3551	Thai Decor	Chonburi	0 3826 7197

Topic	Location	Contact	Topic	Location	Contact
De Gallery Chinese Antique Furniture	Chiangmai	0 5344 1575	De Siam	Chiangmai	0 5344 1545

Topic	Location	Contact	Topic	Location	Contact
Art de Phunara	Phuket	0 7652 7562	Chan’s Antique House	Phuket	0 7626 1416
Ban Boran Antiques	Phuket	0 7621 2473	Soul of Asia	Phuket	0 7621 1122

Central

Topic	Location	Contact	Topic	Location	Contact
Chatuchak Weekend Market	Bangkok	0 2264 5555	Siam Ceramic Handmade	Bangkok	0 2255 7197
Siam Paragon	Bangkok	0 2269 1000	Som Ceramics Studio	Bangkok	08 1628 5411
Ko Kret	Bangkok	0 2580 0704	The Emporium	Bangkok	0 2121 8000

Topic	Location	Contact	Topic	Location	Contact
Central Festival Pattaya Beach	Pattaya	0 3300 3999	Club Premium	Chon Buri	08 6155 3969

Topic	Location	Contact	Topic	Location	Contact
BPC Ceramics	Lampang	0 5432 8362	Kalaery	Lampang	08 9170 5627
Celadon House	Chinagmai	0 5333 8288	Mee Silp Ceramic	Lampang	0 5422 6418
Ceramic Center	Lampang	0 5428 1884	Quality Ceramic	Lampang	0 5436 6318
Dhanabadee Art Ceramic	Lampang	0 5422 1103	Thai Ceramic Lampang	Lampang	0 5422 6740
Dhanabadee Decore Ceramic	Lampang	0 5482 1558	Tondin Ceremic	Lampang	08 9851 2697

Topic	Location	Contact	Topic	Location	Contact
Central Plaza Khonkaen	Khonkaen	0 4300 1000-29	Kut Nakham	Sakoh Nakhon	0 4270 9162

Topic	Location	Contact	Topic	Location	Contact
Ceramics of Phuket	Phuket	0 7627 2151-2	Siam Ceramic Handmade	Phuket	0 7632 1917
Jasmine	Phuket	0 7627 1582	Rattanakosin	Phuket	0 7627 0102

Central

Topic	Location	Contact	Topic	Location	Contact
Central World	Bangkok	0 2272 4440-1	Siam Paragon	Bangkok	0 2269 1000
Chatuchak Weekend Market	Bangkok	0 2264 5555	Thai Nakon	Bangkok	0 2629 0793

Topic	Location	Contact	Topic	Location	Contact
Jai Fah Lacquerware	Chiangmai	0 5330 8574-5	Mungkala	Chiangmai	0 5327 8494
Juthamas Lacquerware	Chiangmai	0 5320 3106	Nuch Lacquerware	Chiangmai	0 5327 1314
Lai Tong - Thai Lacquerware	Chiangmai	0 5333 8237-8	Pratuang Lacquerware	Chiangmai	0 5327 2186

Topic	Location	Contact	Topic	Location	Contact
Boonyarat	Nakhon Si Thammarat	0 7535 6196	Thai Silver Gift	Nakhon Si Thammarat	0 5327 8494
Khun Chai Nielloware	Stun	0 7429 9922	Thoom Lai Thai Shop	Nakhon Si Thammarat	0 7534 1992

Central

Topic	Location	Contact	Topic	Location	Contact
Air Orchid	Nakhon Pathom	08 5168 7077	Like Orchid	Bangkok	0 9111 1225
API Orchid	Ayutthaya	08 7813 9689	Mana Orchid	Bangkok	0 2889 4167
Chatuchak Weekend Market	Bangkok	0 2264 5555	Nakhonpathom Orchids Garden	Nakhon Pathom	0 3426 8045
Geentorchid	Samut Prakarn	08 6995 9222	T.ORCHIDS	Nonthaburi	0 2573 9645

Topic	Location	Contact	Topic	Location	Contact
JOE Orchids	Chiangmai	0 5348 9104	Sai Nam Phung Orchid Farm	Chiangmai	0 5329 9588

Topic	Location	Contact	Topic	Location	Contact
Korat Orchids Garden	Nakhon Ratchasima	0 4429 8154	Parichart Orchid	Saraburi	08 1809 7739
KY Orchid	Nakhon Ratchasima	0 4420 3500	Phantipa Orchid Farm	Nakhon Ratchasima	08 1547 2745

Topic	Location	Contact	Topic	Location	Contact
Chamroen Orchid	Suratthani	0 7721 8422	Lada Orchid	Ratchaburi	08 1612 5349

Central

Topic	Location	Contact	Topic	Location	Contact
Asia Furniture	Bangkok	0 2737 5726	Index Living Mall	Bangkok	0 2417 1111
Chatuchak Weekend Market	Bangkok	0 2264 5555	Kohcept Furniture	Nonthaburi	0 2832 4000
Chic-FuniShe	Chantaburi	0 3942 4042	S.B. Furniture	Bangkok	0 2832 4200

Topic	Location	Contact	Topic	Location	Contact
Furniture House	Chonburi	0 3827 3755	Kohcept Furniture	Pattaya	0 3836 0481
Index Living Mall	Chonburi	0 3838 3333	S.B. Furniture	Pattaya	0 2832 4200

Topic	Location	Contact	Topic	Location	Contact
Baan Tawai - The Village of Handicraft	Chiangmai	0 5343 3074	Krungthep Furniture	Chiangmai	0 5311 5774
Index Living Mall	Chiangmai	0 5385 1700	Mallike Furniture	Chiangmai	08 0857 1205
Kohcept Home Pro	Chiangmai	0 5385 1025	ST Furniture	Phrae	0 5466 0033

Topic	Location	Contact	Topic	Location	Contact
Index Living Mall	Khonkaen	0 4347 2600	Intrend Living Mall	Khonkaen	0 4342 3888

Topic	Location	Contact	Topic	Location	Contact
Honest Decor	Phuket	0 7637 7741	Kohcept Home Pro	Suratthani	0 7748 9173
Kohcept Home Phuket	Phuket	0 7625 5116-7	S.B. Design Square	Phuket	0 7630 4155

Central

Topic	Location	Contact	Topic	Location	Contact
Chatuchak Weekend Market	Bangkok	0 2264 5555	Thai Craft Fair Trade	Bangkok	0 2676 0636-8

Topic	Location	Contact	Topic	Location	Contact
Ban Ka Raing Ruam Mit - The Village of Handicraft	Chiangmai	0 5373 7359-11	Hilltribe Handicraft Training Center	Chiangmai	0 5328 7047
Chiang Mai Night Market and Bazaa	Chiangmai	0 5327 0066-8	Khlong Lan Hilltribe Handicraft Center	Kamphang Phet	0 5573 5340
Chompu Phuka SilverTraining Center	Nan	0 5471 0177	Sakulan Decor	Chiangmai	08 1694 0951

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.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand receives over 1,000 complaints a year about fake jewellery purchases. To avoid being a statistic, you must stay alert to the warning signs of a swindle at work. Heeding the Tourism Authority of Thailand warning could help you stave off unpleasent surprises and make your vacation what it should be - full of sparkle.

The following are valuable pointers for your protection :

• Be wary of any encounter that ends up requiring your presence in a gem shop. Most probably it is a scam.
• Buying gems or jewellery to resell at double or triple the purchase prices is an impossible proposition under any circumstances. Buy jewellery only for personal satisfaction for your own use or for loved ones.
• Make price comparisons in various shops before deciding to buy. Never be in a hurry.
• Never mail sapphires or other precious stones. Carry valuable items with you.
• Do not believe special (jewellery) sales of any kind. Reputable dealers hardly ever offer sales and never send touts to lure tourists to their stores.
• There are no promotions, shows or special sales on jewelry authorized by the government or any official agencies at any time of the year.
• The government does not own, operate, subsidize, or authorize any jewellery stores.
• As far as you can, take time to verify all claims. Words, promises, personal guarantees, unchecked documents, unauthorized verbal or written statements, casual references, encounters and the like do not constitute verification. Remember, you are your own best protection.
• All Thai embassies, consulates or any delegations abroad are neither bound nor responsible for refunding goods that are bought in Thailand. When in doubt about a gem shop, check it with the Tourism Authorities at:
  
  Tourist Assistance Centre
  Tourism Authority of Thailand
  Le Concorde Building
  202 Ratchadapisek Road Bangkok 10310
  Tel: 694-1222 ext. 1090-1094
  
  
• 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.

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