Shopping Tips
There is more to shop in Thailand than just acquiring a souvenir or two. A huge variety of buys, combined with creative design, quality workmanship and extremely competitive prices, make Thailand arguably the most rewarding shopping destination in Asia.
Shopping is indeed a pleasure in Thailand, but to ensure it is a total joy it is worth keeping in mind some simple points.
* Bargaining: Fixed priced apply in department stores and some shops in Bangkok; otherwise, bargaining is acceptable even expected. Generally, the price asked for can be reduced by 10%-40%. No hard and fast rules apply, but remember Thais appreciate good manners and a sense of humour and can be put off by loud voices and loss of temper. Patience and a smile are what count.
* Gems & Jewellery: Remember there is no such thing as a bargain when buying gems or jewellery, there is only good value. If an offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Choose jewellery stores carefully and do compare prices from shop to shop.
* Touts: Avoid touts or unsolicited new-found friends who offer to take you shopping. Stores give commissions to such people and the cost is reflected in the price you pay.
* Receipts: When purchasing gems, jewellery or other luxury items, obtain a receipt and check it is correct before leaving the shop.
The Jewel Fest Club
Jewellery 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, or visit website : www.jewelfest.com.
VAT Refund
Visitors 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
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-Ratchaprasong
Top 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-Patpong
Silom 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 road
Silom 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.
* Sukhumvit
Like 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.
* Chinatown
Centre 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 Lamphu
Situated close to the Grand Palace and Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Bang Lamphu has a lively market where clothing is a popular buy.
* Pratunam-Phetchaburi
A highlight in the distinct is Pratunam market, one of Bangkok's biggest centres for ready-to-wear clothing.
* Baiyoke Tower
Located next to Bangkok's tallest hotel building, Baiyoke Tower is one of the city's renowned garment centres.
* Nailert Market
Situated 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 Market
Situated 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 Airport
Centre for an extensive range of shops offering a full selection of Thailand's top buys.
Shopping & Department Stores
* Amerin Plaza
Ploenchit Road, Tel : 0 2255 0831
* Future Park Rangsit
Phaholyothin Road, Tel : 0 2958 0080
* Gaysorn Plaza
Ploenchit Road, Tel : 0 2656 1149
* Mah Boon Krong Centre (MBK),
Opp Siam Square
* Nailert Plaza
Phetchaburi Road, Tel : 0-2255-8970-2
* Narayana Phand
Ratchadamri Road, Tel : 0 2252 4670-9
* Peninsula Plaza
Ratchadamri Road, Tel : 0 2253 9763
* Ploenchit Centre
Sukhumvit Road, Tel : 0 2656 8989-90 (Inter Outlet)
* River City
Yota Road, Tel : 0 2237 0077-8
* Seacon Square
Sri Nakharin Road, Tel : 0 2721 8888
* Seri Centre
Sri Nakharin Road, Tel : 0 2746 0123
* Siam Centre
Rama 1 Road, Tel : 0 2658 1000-19
* Siam Discovery Centre
Rama 1 Road, Tel : 0 2658 1000-19
* Times Square
Sukhumvit Road, Tel : 0 2253 9333
-Info courtesy of TAT-
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