Thailand is a great place to shop -- particularly in Bangkok where the variety of retail outlets and goods is staggering. Often you'll find some good quality products on sale in department stores for half as much as at home. Likewise, there are bargains in more down-to-earth places -- open market stalls.
At the corner of First and Third: From Handicrafts to Fine Watches With Thailand's rapid development over the last 25 years or so, (and endured the socio-economic growing pains that accompany such an explosion) an unusual set of circumstances have emerged. While Bangkok is modern with large factories, tall buildings and an extensive freeway system, much of the countryside looks the same as it has for the last 60 years or so. There are wooden houses, people cooking rice over clay charcoal braziers and harvesting rice by hand.
This polarized economy gives rise to diverse tastes and capabilities. Those at the top of the chain seek out luxury cars, designer clothes and watches, and fine foods, giving rise to countless shops that offer these. As well is a huge number of lower end income people who produce traditional handicrafts in their villages. The government has even launched an economic assistance program to encourage and develop these cottage industries and for the people of Thailand to get back to their cultural roots and purchase these items. This all means the range of goods on sale in Thailand is huge
The Same All Over Thailand
The entrepreneurial spirit looms large in Thailand. As tourism has grown, vendors all over the country have taken note of what buyers like. Say the necklace you bought from a northern hill tribe village in Chiang Mai might find their way to the souvenir shops in the southern island of Phuket. This is convenient for the visitor who only visits one region of the country. It also means there has been a bit of homogenisation, and in the end, you have craftspeople all over the country copying each others' designs. Don't be surprised to find that what you are buying may not be indigenous to the region.
Quality:
Because Thailand is such a vibrant free market, and regulatory bodies can't really keep up, you do have to keep your eyes open concerning quality. Many street vendors sell 'knock-off' goods -- fake rolexes, designer clothes copies, that sort of thing.
Now, you should be aware that this practice is illegal and there have been ongoing clampdowns in several areas. Whether you choose to buy these products or not, be aware that they are (with the possible exception of T-shirts) of substandard quality. Bit pretentious really, buying a fake Rolex that in the end fools nobody. You have to square it with your own conscience (and your own taste).
If you do choose to break the law and buy knockoffs (and the quality varies enormously), examine the items very closely. Don't be in a hurry and don't be pressured. If the vendor's goods are better quality than average (as they will often claim), they will want you to make a thorough examination. And did we mention that it is illegalω .
Bargaining
Bargaining spread eastward from the Middle East centuries ago, so the theory goes. It persists in Thailand in open market places, but unlike in India or the Middle East, the prices start lower and discount less. Unless they've got you pegged for a real greenhorn, most vendors will quote a price about 40% or so higher than what they are willing to settle for.
The Method
If you see something you like, ask how much (all vendors know this much English). They will usually produce a calculator and punch in the amount they want (feel free to use the calculator to convert into your own currency if you get confused). Hit clear, punch in your counter offer and hand it back. This goes on for a bit until you either reach a mutually agreeable price or a stalemate. Feel free to walk away at any time. Sometimes this gets you a last lower price, sometimes not, but don't feel you are obgligated to buy just because you started the process. Decide what the item is worth to you and if you can get it at that price, then great. If not, say goodbye and try elsewhere. You might find later that you didn't really have anywhere in your house to put that wooden elephant anyway.
Antiques
Buying antiques in Thailand is tricky. Any real antiques are less than 200 years old, dating from the beginning of the Chakri Dynasty in Bangkok, but most are fakes, new pieces that have been carefully "worried" and aged despite any "Certificate of Authenticity." If you do find something real, remember that the Thai government has an interest in keeping authentic antiquities and sacred items in the country, and will require special permission for export.
By law, Buddha images are prohibited from export, except for religious or educational purposes, and even in these instances you'll still have to obtain permission from the Department of Fine Arts to remove them from Thailand, but this rule is little-enforced and the focus is more on antique Buddhas than those you'll find in tourist markets. The law is to protect national treasures stolen from temples and if you're talking about an amulet or a small image that could fit in your pocket, don't sweat it.
Jewelry&Gems
You'll find jewelry stores in every part of town, but try Mahasek Road off of Silom for wholesale goods. The whole Silom area is a good bet in fact. The Asian Institute of Gemological Sciences (11th floor, Jewelry Trade Center at 919/1 Silom Rd.; tel. 02267-4315) is useful for verifying the quality of cut stones (though not an appraiser). If you have any problems with vendors, contact the tourist police at tel. 01155.
For every reputable gems dealer in Bangkok, there are at least 100 crooks waiting to catch you in the latest scam. To avoid being ripped off, follow these rules.
1. If a kind person approaches you on the street and offers to take you to a special shop (or anywhere for that matter) always refuse.
2. If a tuk-tuk or taxi driver wants to take you shopping, say, "No thanks" (or "Mai, Kap-kun.").
3. If anyone approaches you in a temple or at an attraction and offers to take you sightseeing, do not accept.
4. Be suspect of strangers in these situations who flash TAT, Tourist Police, or any other "badge."
5. There is no such thing as a government auction, government clearinghouse, or anything "government" related to the gems industry.
6. There is no such thing as a tax-free day for gemstones purchases.
7. Do not agree to let any gems purchases be shipped to your home address.
8. As with any purchase you make, if you use a credit card, instruct them to keep the card in your sight at all times and watch them make one print of it.
9. If anyone tells you that your purchase can be resold back home for more than you paid for it in Thailand, you are without a doubt being sucked into somebody's shell game. These guys are clever; working in groups they can trap even the most street-smart consumer.
The TAT and the Thai Gem and Jewelry Traders Association created an organization called the Jewel Fest Club. Talk to the TAT about their booklet listing shops that are members of this reputable organization. They also provide guidelines for purchasing gems.
Silk & Cotton.
There are numerous silk outlets throughout the city, in the many shopping areas and in the lobbies of international hotels. Synthetics are frequently sold as silk and if you're in doubt about a particular piece, select a thread and burn it; silk should smell like singed hair or feathers. Sometimes only the warp (lengthwise threads) is synthetic because it's more uniform and easier to work with, but as this isn't seen or felt, it's a less important consideration.
For outlets, try: Jim Thompson Thai Silk Company, the town's most famous and with many outlets in hotels (main store is at 9 Surawong Rd., near Silom; tel. 02632-8100); T. Shinawatra Silk (94 Sukhumvit Soi 23 tel. 02258-0295) and H. M. Factory Thai Silk (45 Promchai, Sukhumvit Soi 39; tel. 02258-8766).
Crafts
Brass, Bronze and Pewter items, as well as fine celadon Pottery are available in many outlets on Sukhumvit and Charoen Krung. Other gifts and crafts, carvings and castings, from throughout the region are sold at comparable prices to where they are made (in places like Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai) and Thai craftsmanship is quite impressive. Try lesser-know areas like Chinatown to avoid the same old tourist gear.
Fashion
Bangkok is internationally known for its designer look-alike fashions, counterfeit clothing bearing the famous labels "knocked off" at substantially lower prices than the original. Less known are the small, independent designers with their own Thai fashions that look good in Asia and back home. Quality runs the gamut as do prices and service at Bangkok's many small tailoring storefronts. They're everywhere really, in tourist towns all over Thailand, and you won't have to walk far to get that new suit made in the Big Mango. Along Sukhumvit (Soi 11 in particular), Riverside Charoen Krung and Khao San all have similar services, for tailor-made orders. Expect very fast service (even 24-hr.) but be sure to schedule at least two fittings.
Here are a few tips:
Once you have chosen your material, insist on taking a small sample with you so that when you return you can check to see they haven't substituted a cheaper fabric.
Don't go for the 24-hour turnaround. Give yourself and the tailor plenty of time. Come back for a second fitting to make fine adjustments in your suit.
Put down as small a deposit as you can bargain so there is a good incentive for the tailor to make you happy before receiving full payment.
When you do collect your clothes, examine the jacket closely - these are the hardest items to make so that they hang nicely (trousers are easy). If it doesn't make you look good, politely but firmly insist on further alterations.
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 or www.rd.go.th/vrt/engindex.html
Procedure on VAT Refund for TouristsAt the store
1. Shop at stores displaying "VAT Refund for Tourists" sign.
2. Spend at least 2,000 baht per store per day.
3. Present your passport and ask for a P.P.10 form (VAT Refund Application Form) immediately on the purchase date.
4. The total value of purchases (per person) as combined from all P.P.10's shall be at least 5,000 baht before you are eligible to claim a VAT refund.At the airport
5. Let the Custom Officers check the purchased goods before you check in and have them sign all P.P.10's on the departure date.
6. Bring all P.P.10's and original tax invoices to claim your VAT refund at the VAT Refund Office after the Immigration Checkpoint.
7. Jewelry, gold ornaments, watches, glasses and pens, of which the value is 10,000 baht or over, shall be re-inspected at the VAT Refund Office again.
8. The purchased goods are required to be taken out of the country within 60 days since the purchase date through the International Airports.
Important Note:
The best way to get what you want is to smile and make a game of it you're in holiday and this is part of the fun you don't get to experience in the West. In fact, if you really want to have a good time, hand back the calculator with a lower offer than your last one, with a big smile on your face. This usually engenders a spirit of goodwill and playfulness and can go a long way to lowering the price nothing like laughter to make new friends.
For more information :
www.tat.or.th
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