June 10, 2019

SHOPPING IN THAILAND

Thailand ranks among Southeast Asia's premier destinations for finding great deals and bringing home souvenirs that offer exceptional value for money.

Driven by steady annual growth and championed by Her Majesty Queen Sirikit through her "Support" foundation established in 1976, Thai craftsmanship offers an extensive range of products across all categories.

Whether rooted in centuries-old traditional artistry passed down through generations or crafted using cutting-edge technology, these products deliver both exceptional variety and quality. From day and night markets to shopping centers and boutiques, opportunities to purchase them are abundant and easily accessible.

The remarkable diversity of Thai textiles

Silk

Thai silk is undoubtedly one of the "stars" of shopping in Thailand. It's even considered among the finest in the world, prized for its careful weaving, captivating patterns, and vibrant hues. Its lightweight or heavier weaves adapt equally well to garments, scarves, and neckties, as to table runners, napkins, tapestries, and curtains.
Certain villages in the North (San Kamphaen and Pasang, which produce the majority of silks and cottons of Chiang Mai) and in the South (Phumriang, renowned for silver-embroidered silk garments) are particularly active. However, it's in the Northeast region around Nakhon Ratchasima (Khorat), Khon Kaen, Roi Et, and Udon Thani where you'll find the most distinctive technique: the "mat-mee" silk method, which involves dyeing threads in various colors and sumptuous patterns before weaving. A festival honors this magnificent fabric, the Silk Festival: 10 days and 10 nights of festivities in Khon Kaen (Northeast), from late November to early December.

Cotton and batik

Also hand-woven in infinite shades, cotton is a highly prized fabric for creating clothing, home textiles, and various accessories. Northern tribes are particularly skilled in weaving this textile, especially in producing batik with striking colors and exquisite patterns.

Wickerwork and rattan

Thai wicker and rattan furniture is highly appreciated for the exotic touch it brings, its elegance, durability, and diverse styles and designs. Some pieces can be custom-made to order.

Discovering Thailand's exquisite ceramics

A vast selection of hand-thrown pottery is available throughout the country: dinnerware sets, vases, lamps, large jars, and figurines.

Nearly a thousand years of craftsmanship have produced first-rate objects in styles inspired by local and Chinese traditions, whether classical or contemporary. The most renowned items are the pale-jade celadons manufactured particularly in the Sukhothai region, blue-and-white Chinese ceramics, and Benjarong ceramics, the result of Thai tradition.

Niello

Nielloing is an art originating in Europe and practiced in Thailand for several centuries. It involves engraving motifs on gold or silver objects, which are then filled with niello—an alloy of lead, silver, copper, and sulfur. This delicate art creates magnificent pieces such as jewelry boxes, trays, and vases. They are found especially in Bangkok (Central region) and Nakhon Si Thammarat (South), Thailand's first province to practice this art over seven centuries ago.

Metalwork

Copper and bronze

The techniques used for working these materials perfectly illustrate the blend of traditional methods and recent innovations: to extend longevity and maintain their luster, objects are coated with a silicone layer. They are both practical and decorative, in classical or contemporary styles, with the most common being tableware or sculptures of animals and figures.

Tin

Tin is one of the natural resources of southern Thailand. This alloy offers numerous possibilities for shaping, engraving, and relief decorations: plates, boxes, hip flasks, and vases are among the most common objects.

Silver

Chiang Mai is where silverwork is most prevalent. The metal is hammered to create numerous objects with relief motifs.

Gold

Thailand's goldsmithing is favored by the artisans' dexterity and affordable labor costs, as well as by standardized precious metal pricing, offering a range of top-quality articles at all price points. These items and jewelry are available in Bangkok shops, notably in the Chinese Quarter where Yaowarat Road is famous for its hundreds of gold boutiques.

Bringing back precious gemstones from Thailand

Thailand is one of the world's largest gemstone exporters. A significant stone-cutting industry has developed, working with both locally sourced and imported stones. Bangkok, home to the 55-story Jewelry Trade Centre, is a major hub for cutting and polishing precious stones. On the East Coast, the provinces of Chanthaburi and Trat are renowned for their sapphires and rubies, as are the gemstone markets of Hua Thung, Khlong Yaw, and Khao Saming.

Lacquerware

Lacquerwork is a specialty of the Far East. Objects produced in Thailand, particularly in Chiang Mai and the North, are of fine quality. They are first shaped from bamboo or wood before being covered with multiple coats of lacquer. Bracelets, bowls, boxes, trays, plates, and vases are then engraved, delicately decorated, and polished.

A florist's paradise

Thai forests abound with a remarkable variety of orchids that, through expert and delicate treatments, can be cultivated outside their natural wild habitat. Crossbreeding has produced over a thousand species, now grown in specialized nurseries. Equipped with small water reservoirs, they can be easily transported.
Artificial flowers and plants are also the subject of magnificent creations that rival the natural varieties.

Dolls and toys to delight your children and grandchildren

A vast assortment of dolls and characters with meticulously tailored wardrobes will enchant both children and collectors. Doll-making in Thailand actually traces back several centuries.
Note that dolls intended for children meet international safety standards.

The realm of ready-to-wear fashion and leather goods

Thailand ranks among the world's leading ready-to-wear producers: jeans and t-shirts of excellent quality, as well as more sophisticated items. You can even have custom-tailored garments made from a wide selection of local or imported fabrics.

Shoes, jackets, luggage, belts, handbags, wallets, and briefcases are merely examples of leather articles offered in specialized leather-goods boutiques and street shops.

Antiques and paintings will hold pride of place in your souvenir purchases

Thailand offers local, Chinese, Burmese, and Khmer antiques with outstanding reputations. However, some pieces are prohibited from export or require authorization from the Ministry of Fine Arts. Numerous shops are available at the River City shopping complex, on New Road, and around Bangkok. Art enthusiasts won't want to miss the galleries showcasing works by local artists. Framing is also of high quality and affordable.

Tourism

Rose

January 23, 2020

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Caroline

January 13, 2020

Hello, Thank you for this article! I was wondering, do you have any specific recommendations or addresses where I can find bracelets and other items in copper with niello work? Thank you in advance!

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