Shopping Information

Did You Say Fake?

      Thailand is well knowm to be one of the best countries in the world to buy Fake designer & name brands, but did you know that some of the clothes you pay so much for back home are etactly the same quality as those available here? 

      Sports shoes, for example, are mass-produced in Southeast Asia and any surplus goes straight onto the Thai market, thus benefiting both the factory and the shopper.

      On the other hand, it's pretty obvious that the watches hawked on street stands are fakes. Don't. whatever you do, expect a fake dive watch to live up to its claims of being as dependable as the original; some aren't even waterproot ! Metal watch straps will last a lot longer than ersatz leather ones.

      Casual designer wear is a real bargain, as some copies are almost as long-lasting as the originals. Designer jeans are mostly up to standard and one can check the quality simply by feeling the fabric and checking the seams and zip. Don't believe the'UV Filter stickers on copied sunglasses on street stands. For the same price or less than street store glasses (B200). you can buy fairly good quality ones upstairs at Ocean Department Store in Phuket or at Robinson's, next door.

      'Burnt', or copied, CDs are a good buy at B100 and VCDs sell just about anywhere for as little as B40, although you must make sure that they're in English. Even if they are, they'll invariably come with Thal subtitles and poor sound quality. Always bargain prices dowm. In Asia, it's inconceivable not to and in fun-loving Thailand, it's really no chore.

VAT Refunds on Goods Bought in Thailand

      The revenue department has recently issued a pamphlet full of info regarding VAT refunds. Here's a synopsis:

• You can claim VAT if you've been in Thailand less than 180 days In a calendar year.
• VAT refund only applies to goods taken out of Thailand within 60 days from the date                of purchase.
• The goods must be purchased from store displaying a "VAT  REFUND FOR TOURISTS" sign.
• You cannot claim VAT on goods less than B5,000, including VAT
• At the point of purchase, present your passport and ask the salesperson to help you fill out a VAT Refund         Application form (P.P10). Each application must show a value of B2,000 or more.
• Before departure from Thailand YOU MUST PRESENT YOUR GOODS and submit your application forms to   customs before check in.
• Allow plenty of time before your flight departure for this process. Any furher inquiries can be addressed to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it Remember: No Inspection, No Refund.

The Sarong

      The "pha khao ma" the male sarong, or the female equivalent, the "pahaasin" - a larger version - is an absolute must-buy on Phuket. Simphy lounging around in your hotel room dressed only in a sarong is so relaxing Thais claim that there are a hundred ways to use a sarong and, let's face it, 60-200 baht for an item that can be used as a tablecloth, a headscarf, curtains, a towel, a baby hammock, a bed cover and dashboard protector - all rolled into one - ain't going to hurt your wallet. Go for it.

Opticians

      There are many opticians on Phuket, each one offering cheaper check-ups and glasses than in the West. Unfortunately, with the decline of the baht in 1997, Raybans and other foreign-mode sunglasses no 1onger much of a deal, but check-ups, lenses and glasses are. For a friendly, English-speaking family-run optician in Phuket Town.

Buying Shells

      Sure, go ahead and buy shells on  Phuket, Krabi, or James Bond Island, but only if you want a souvenir the Philippines or Indonesia. Thai law forbids the sale or collection of Thai coral or shells. Hence the imports.