Thailand is a shoppers paradise with a wide selection of goods available at a reasonable prices. Always keep in mind that the Thais like to bargin so never pay the asking price and have fun when you are bargining.

What to buy

Ratten and wickerwork is abudnant but may be difficult to bring home yourself. This handcrafted furniture is a popular export product for European homes. Most shops should be able to ship your purchases home for you

Thai silk in Thaland is of a very high quality and can be bought woven and dyed from shops and markets from all over the country. The Thai silk sarongs are one of the more popular items that make a greatl gift.

Gemstones are a good buy in Thailand whether you are butying uncut, or set gems in fine jewellery. A word of warning is to stick to the licensed shops and retailers and don't be lured in by the street hawkers offering you a special discount. If you are in Chnag Mai you shuld consider the silver jewellery with the tribal designs.

Counterfeit goods are easy to find in Thailand and include CDs, CD-ROMs, and DVDs and brand name clothing. These goods can be bought at a fraction of the price of the real products. Copy watches are also big business; the copies are very accurate and sometimes the quality is surprisingly good. Altough counterfeit merchandise is freely available in Thailand it is still illegal.

Tailoring: Good quality suits and dresses according to your style and specification can be made within 48 hours in Bangkok and Chang Mai. It's a good idea to take in a magazine of what you like and thgey can copy the design perfectly. You must also bargain but expect to pay in the area of THB4000 for a suit.

Shop business Hours

Shops are usually open from 10h00-22h00 Mon-Sun.

Tax Refund

All non-Thai visitors who have been in the country for less than 180 days and are departing by air from an International airports can apply for a tax refund on the goodsthey have bought.

The requirments are as below:

• Your minimum amount of receipts have to be THB5000 inlculding the VAT.
• Each receipt you are claiming must be more than THB2000
• Only purchases made from stores displaying a "VAT Refund For Tourists" sign, qualify for this program. VAT is presently at 7%.
• To reclaim tax you need to show the sales assistant your passport and ask them to complete a VAT refund form (PP10) and attach an invoice showing the amount of tax.
• You also have to advise how you want your refund whether cash, draft or credit card. Cash (in Thai Baht) is only available for refunds of up to THB10000. Charges apply for other forms of refund.
• When departing Thailand your purchases must be inspected by a customs officers before you check in. They will also need to see the form PP10 with the tax invoice.
  

  For more information contact the VAT refund office at The Bangkok International Airport. Tel: +66 (0)2-535-6576 /7/8/9