Thailand shopping
This region was hit by the tsunami of December 26, 2004, and some of
the sites and resorts mentioned below will be closed until
further notice. Consequently the following text does not necessarily
correspond to the current situation. This information will be updated
once we know the full extent of the damage in the area.Thai crafts and souvenirs, fabrics and jewellery are among the world's most attractive and appealing. Thai silk is justly famous, but the quality of what you are offered varies. Pottery runs from the simplest pot to the most elegant figurines. Look for teak salad bowls and wood-carvings, and lacquerware from miniature dishes to furniture.
You'll be offered precious and semi-precious stones from amethysts to zircons, rough or cut and polished, but you either have to know the business or trust the merchant. Knowledge is also essential if you're going to buy antiques, for the counterfeits are convincing. And a very big complication: it's forbidden to export genuine Thai antiquities without special permission.
Counterfeits are a menace in other areas, too-watches, luggage and designer clothes. Anything with a well-known brand name that costs less than you expect may be a fake. The authenticity of the goods may not bother you, but be sure to haggle over the price.
The North abounds in original handicrafts, especially the distinctive fabrics-often made up into jackets and bags-and the jewellery of the hill tribes.
