Bangkok is today the coloured gemstone capital of the world. The country is a major source of rubies and sapphires, while Bangkok has also become an established cutting and setting centre for all kinds of precious stones.

THAILAND GEMSTONE

Bangkok offers many opportunities to purchase polished gems. Rubies and sapphires are indigenous stones, but virtually all coloured gems, as well as, increasingly, diamonds, are also available. Shoppers should exercise caution and know what they are looking for.

Remember, there are no bargains in the gem business, or so few as to be negligible good and cheap simply don’t go together when it comes to precious stones. But what the careful shopper can expect is excellent value for money.

THAI JEWELLY

Good ring jewelly from Thailand

Jewellery-making facilities have expanded rapidly in recent years, and today Thailand ranks as the world’s second biggest jewellery exporter. Cutting skills are matched by creative flair in jewellery design and setting, affording the shopper a splendid choice of quality items in a wide price range.

Alternatively, many leading jewellers will also accept commissions for custom-made pieces. In addition to jewellery, gemstone pictures and other decorative items are to be found.

THAI GOLD

High quality gold ring from Thailand

Good and inexpensive craftsmanship, combined with standard gold prices, make Thai gold articles excellent value.

Handcrafted chains, bracelets, earrings, pendants and other articles are all widely available at the many specialist gold shops in Bangkok, as well as at jewellery stores.

READY-TO-WEAR

Handmade cloths from thailand country side

Thailand is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of ready-to-wear clothing, producing garments not only for local shops and department stores but also for export markets. The staple of this booming business was formerly T-shirts and jeans, but while these still offer good value, product lines now include a whole range of fashions which meet international standards of workmanship and design originality.

Fashion boutiques are found in every shopping mall, while cheaper clothing is available from the street stalls.

CUSTOM TAILORING

Thailand Tailor products

Tailor-made clothing in Thailand is as affordable and as easy as buying off the peg. There are literally thousands of establishments, small and large, which can produce the perfect fit in virtually whatever style you want in just a few days or even hours. Tailors may suggest patterns or copy any you care to provide, and you can choose from a wide selection of materials, both locally-made and imported.

LEATHER GOODS

Thai handbag leathers

Complementing Thailand’s clothing industry is an extensive production of quality leather goods. Renowned for their durability and beautiful designs are shoes, either ready made or made-to-order, leather jackets, belts, handbags, briefcases, luggage, wallets and a host of other accessories Specialist leather shops and street stalls, offer a staggering variety of products at very attractive prices.

Thai silk (made by hand) from countryside Thailand

Produced in countless colors and eye-caching designs, Thai silk has traditionally been used for clothing, and is sold both by the length and as ready to wear fashions.

With enhanced production in recent years, Thai silk is also now produced in heavier weights ideal for draperies, upholstery and other household furnishing.

Additionally, the rich fabric is further used for place mats and napkins, neckties, scarves and other accessories, as well as exquisite coverings for a whole range of souvenirs from jewelry boxes to notebooks.

MAT-MEE SILK

Mat Mee, Thai silk from Thai Isan

A unique style of Thai silk, known as “Mat Mee“, is a handicraft traditional to the northeast region of the country. Produced from tie-dyed silk threads, the fabric is hand-woven in a variety of beautiful designs, typically distinguished by intricate patterns and subtle colours.

Once a neglected craft, Mat-Mee silk has been revitalized in recent years through rural development projects initiated by Her Majesty Queen Sirikit. Today, Mat-Mee enjoys an unprecedented vogue as a fashion material favoured by Her Majesty and other members of the Royal Family.

COTTON & BATIK

Batik Silk from Southern Regions

Thai cotton has gained an enormous reputation over recent years and is today as famous and as popular as silk. A fabric of fine texture and durable quality, Thai cotton is produced in a broad range of colours, prints and embroidered designs, and is found in a wide variety of goods from clothing to bedspreads, table linen, cushion covers, rugs, bags and more.

Notable among cottons products are hill tribe handicrafts and batik designs. Woven in traditional patterns by the tribal people of the North and typically displaying bold designs and often lavish embroidery, hill tribe cottons make and especially attractive buy. Difference in style but equally distinctive are original batiks crafted at several studios in Bangkok.

Remember; Thai Silk, Mat Mee silk, Cotton and Batik silk, one of all famous clothing handmade from Thailand.