Silk
Thai silk is a favorite purchase for many travelers, whether for garments such as scarves and ties, or for home linen. Thai silk is renowned for its delicate weave, diverse patterns and, above all, its beautiful colors. The Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives uses a colored peacock as a logo to indicate the quality of the silk on its products: golden peacock (Royal Thai Silk) for traditionally handcrafted silk from Thai silkworms; a silver peacock (Classic Thai Silk) for handmade silk from selected silkworms; blue peacock (Thai Silk), pure silk yarns with no specific production method (which allows for the possible use of chemical dyes); and finally a green peacock (Thai Silk Blend) for products where silk is blended with other fabrics.
Where to find them? Jim Thompson's house in Bangkok has a vast collection of silk textiles, including some superb scarves. You'll also find it in the towns where it's produced, notably Chiang Mai and several towns in Isaan province (Nakhon Ratchasima, Khon Kaen, Udon Thani), which use a delightful weaving technique.
Clothing
In Thailand, you'll be spoilt for choice! Traditional garments, such as fisherman's pants or the sarong, a "tube" or long fabric tied around the waist, are always a big hit. In the north, fabrics with tribal motifs can be found. Muay Thai shorts can be found all over the country, and can even be personalized with the recipient's name, for example..
Modern clothing is also available, including all the major international brands in Bangkok and major cities. Tailor-made clothing (replica suits, for example) is available at very competitive prices. T-shirts are also very popular with travelers, with humorous motifs, Thai beer brands, hijacked logos... You'll find them everywhere! They're generally of good quality. Avoid big-brand counterfeits, as they could cost you dearly on your return to France.
Gold
Many stores, generally run by Chinese, sell gold (rings, bracelets, necklaces, etc.). If you're making a major purchase, be sure to ask a Thai to accompany you. Warning: Thai gold is generally 24-carat, in other words, pure gold. A little soft and very fragile, but not to be confused with gold-plated lead. Chiang Mai is the other major centre for handicrafts, but don't hesitate to buy the item you want elsewhere, because you can never be sure of finding it again, even in the region where it was made.
Silver
Silver jewelry from the north of the country, in particular the handicrafts of the hill tribes, is particularly interesting.
As for gold and precious stones, the choice is greater in Bangkok, but beware of scams: if a stranger approaches you and tells you that buying jewelry in Thailand will enable you to resell it at a better price in France and thus reimburse a large part of your trip, he's talking nonsense! He'll try to take you to a store "at random", even though he's in cahoots with the sellers and earns a handsome commission. Many tourists have been ripped off in this way over the past twenty years. A classic in the capital.
Khon masks
These masks are derived from classical Thai dances that illustrate episodes from the Ramakien, the legendary battle between Good and Evil inspired by Buddhism. Where can you find them? Handicraft stores and flea markets.
Lacquered objects
Lacquer work is one of the oldest techniques in Thailand and the rest of Southeast Asia. Lacquer craftsmanship is specific to the Far East. Objects produced in Thailand, particularly in Chiang Mai and the North, are of high quality. They are first fashioned from bamboo or wood and then coated with several layers of lacquer. Bracelets, bowls, boxes, trays, plates or vases are then engraved, finely decorated and polished.
Umbrellas from Chiang Mai
Umbrellas from Bo Sang, a village some ten kilometers from the ancient capital Lanna, are renowned throughout the kingdom. These delicate pieces are an original decoration for the home.
Tiger Balm
This very popular natural balm relieves a variety of ailments: muscle aches, headaches, insect bites, blocked nose, coughs... There is a red version (backache, muscle aches) and a white version (cough, blocked nose). Prices are considerably lower in Thailand than in France, Belgium, Switzerland and Canada. Eucalyptus or peppermint inhalers of various brands are very popular in the country, and you'll see Thais using them just about anywhere, anytime.
Rattan objects
Not easy to transport, but rattan or wicker furniture and decorative objects made in Thailand are of good quality and add a touch of Asia to the atmosphere of any home.
Important. Buddha reproductions are plentiful and on sale everywhere. However, there are more and more large signs warning you that Buddha is not a decorative subject. It is forbidden to take out of the country representations of the whole Buddha (statues in particular), as well as antiques, just as it is strongly discouraged to get a tattoo of Buddha. It's up to you..
Tip. If you see an object or item of clothing you like, don't hesitate to pick it up on the spot. In our experience, it's very rare to come across the same item a second time!
