Shopping Advice

Shopping Tips

Department stores and a number of shops in Bangkok have fixed prices, but at most of others bargaining is acceptable and expected; some department stores will even 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% to that first quoted. An important point to keep in mind is that Thais admire good manners and a sense of humour and tend to be put off by 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.

The Jewel Fest ClubJewellery and gemstones from Thailand are also a favourite item for many visitors to the kingdom. Their beauty, quality craftmanship and reasonable price have earned Thai precious and semi-precious stones a worldwide reputation. Yet occasionally, there have been visitors who complained about the action of few unethical jewellers who persuaded them to purchase jewellery at an unreasonable price.Through the cooperation of the Thai Gem and Jewellery Traders Association (TGJTA) and the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), the Jewel Fest Club has been established, bringing about 100 leading jewellery manufacturers and wholesalers. The club’s aim to offer quality products at reasonable prices with a money-back guarantee if buyers are not completely satisfied with their purchases. When you purchase an item of jewellery from a store that is clearly identified as a member of the Jewel Fest Club, your purchase will be duly recorded, and a certificate detailing your purchase will be issued. Not only does this certificate of authenticity clearly state the nature and price of your purchase, it also guarantees your refund should you wish to return the purchase. Contact The Jewel Fest Club at Tel: 0 2630 1390-7, Fax: 0 2630 1398-9,

Packing and Shipping ServicesThanks to the ever-increasing number of tourists coming to Thailand, most shops are experienced at shipping abroad and will attend to all the documents such as insurance, customs and necessary permits. 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 specialise in such matters.

VAT RefundVisitors entering the Kingdom on tourist visas are entitled to refunds of the 7% value-added tax (VAT) paid on goods purchased at shops and department stores displaying “VAT Refund for Tourists” signs. The refund may be claimed if the claimed amounts in all P.P.10’s have been totaled 5,000 baht or over. Tourist is eligible to receive P.P.10 form when the total purchase of 2,000 baht or over is made from the same store on the same date. Before checking in at the international airport (Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Hat Yai, Phuket, Utapao), tourist must show your purchases, completed P.P.10 form and tax invoices to the Customs Officer for inspection. Certain luxury goods must be shown to an excise official. Refunds may be in bank draft form or credited to a credit card. For more information, please contact the VAT Refund for Tourists Office, Tel: 0 2272 9388, 0 2272 8195-8

Where to shop in Bangkok
Shopping in Bangkok is not limited to one or two major streets, but offers many areas throughout the city affording ample choice and easy access. The following is just a selection of some of the principal shopping districts.

Ploenchit-RatchaprasongTop department stores and luxury shopping malls are concentrated in the area, namely central, Sogo, Gaysorn Plaza, Isetan, Zen, Amarin Plaza, Peninsula Plaza, All of which together make the largest shopping promenade in Bangkok. Furthermore, the Central World Plaza and Narayana Phand Pavillion, host the official handicraft centre selling items from all parts of the country. Ratchaprasong intersection is the gateway to several shopping areas such as Ploenchit-Sukhumvit, Siam Square-Mah Boon Krong, Silom and Pratunam-Phetchaburi.

Silom-Surawong-PatpongSilom Road is the main artery of Bangkok’s commercial heart and is paralleled by Surawong road, while Patpong runs crosswise between the two. In addition to housing dozens of specialist shops and boutiques representing all the major buys, this area also boasts many branches of well-known retailers and several shopping plazas. Street stalls also abound, most notably at Patpong’s famous night market
Silom-Mahesak-New roadSilom leads into New Road which parallel 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.

SukhumvitLike Silom, Sukhumvit is one of Bangkok’s main thoroughfares, and the long road is lined with shops, boutiques and modern shopping plazas ranging from Soi 3 (Nana Nua) up to Soi 63 (Ekamai). Most shops and restaurants are concentrated between Soi 3 and Soi 21 (Asoke) and along shortcuts between Asoke and Ekamai.

ChinatownCentre on Yaowarat Road and Sampheng Lane, Bangkok’s Chinatown offers a profusion or gold shops as well as two nearby traditional shopping places, Ban Mo Jewellery Street and Phahurat ClothMarket.

Bang LamphuSituated close to the Grand Palace and Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Bang Lamphu has a lively market where clothing is a popular buy.
Pratunam-PhetchaburiA highlight in the distinct is Pratunam market, one of Bangkok’s biggest centres for ready-to-wear clothing.

Baiyoke TowerLocated next to Bangkok’s tallest hotel building, Baiyoke Tower is one of the city’s renowned garment centres.

Nailert MarketSituated close to Pratunum Market, Nai Lert Market is one of many shopping areas in Bangkok where you can buy just about everything from clothing to handicrafts.
Bo-Be MarketSituated close to Bangkok Railway Station, Bo-be is one of the city’s renowned ready-to-wear clothing centres, both wholesale and retail.
Bangkok International AirportCentre for an extensive range of shops offering a full selection of Thailand’s top buys.

Chatuchak Weekend MarketLocated adjacent to Chatuchak Park, the weekend market, open on Saturday and Sunday, is a Bangkok landmark where you can buy just about everything from clothing to potted plants and everything in between—a paradise for browsers and bargain-hunters alike. Chatuchak Weekend Market also offers items of furniture and home decor. It is also where professional and amateur art-lovers and artists meet.