Fixed prices are the norm in department stores and a number of shops in Bangkok, but at most other places, bargaining is acceptable and expected. Generally, shopping in Thailand is easy, fun and very rewarding, but the following advice is useful especially when making gem and jewelry purchases.

• Shop around to compare prices - this is especially important with gems and jewelry.
• Obtain a receipt for goods bought and check for correctness before leaving the shop.
• Never let a street-peddler or new found friend take you shopping. Stores give commission to these people, and the cost is reflected in the price you pay.
• In general, jewelry items cannot be returned. If refunds are allowed, then often 25-30% of the selling price will be deducted as "costs for damages". More reputable companies may offer a full refund although usually only within a certain time limit, such as 30 days. Do not believe any claims by shop owners that purchases can be refunded at Thai embassies, consulates or other government offices overseas.
• Reputable shops will give a written agreement for a full refund on any goods returned within 90 days. If a shop refuses to do this, go else where.
• Shops in hotel arcades pay high rent and accordingly prices tend to be higher than at street shops. On the other hand, hotel arcades are very convenient if you have little time for shopping.

Shopping in Bangkok is not limited to one or two major streets, and there are many areas throughout the city affording ample choice and easy access. Here's just a selection of some of the places to go shopping!

Chatuchak Park Weekend Market :
A famous Bangkok landmark where you can buy just about everything from clothing to potted plants - a paradise for browsers and bargain- hunters alike.

Silom-Mahesak-New Road :
Many jewelry  stores are found here, also the River City Shopping Complex, known for its quality antique stores and regular auctions.

Silom-Surawong-Patpong :
This commercial heart of Bangkok houses dozens of specialist shops,
boutiques and shopping plazas representing all major products. Street stalls also abound, most notably Patpong's famous night market.

Ploenchit-Ratchadamri :
Many department stores and shopping malls are here, including the World Trade Centre, with dozens of shops and restaurants, and the Siam Centre, which contains many fashionable boutiques. Opposite the World Trade Centre you will find the Narayaphand Pavilion, the official handicraft centre selling items from all parts of the country.

Chitralada Shops: Outlets for Her Majesty Queen Sirikit's Support Foundation, which encourages the production of traditional Thai handicrafts. Chitralada shops can be found in Bangkok and other major travel destinations such as Pattaya and Chiang Mai.

Pratunam-Phetchaburi :
Pratunam Market, one of Bangkok's garment districts, is the place to go for low-priced clothing of all kinds.

Bang Lamphu :
Close to the Grand Palace and Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Bang Lamphu has a lively market where clothing is a popular buy.

Beyond Bangkok :
The main city for shopping outside the capital is Chiang Mai, which ranks as one of the world's largest centres for handicrafts and cottage industries. The extensive range of local products includes cotton and silk, hill tribe clothing, Burmese tapestries, hand-painted umbrellas and lacquer ware, and many such items can be found at its fascinating Night Bazaar. Pattaya also offers plentiful shopping for Thai goods while virtually all other cities and resorts provide ample opportunity for buying gifts and souvenirs, as well as local specialties.

Charn Issara Tower 1
942/51 Rama IV Rd., Bangrak,
Tel : (662) 234-2850, (662) 235-3039-40

Charn Issara Tower 2
New Petchburi Rd.
Tel : (662) 308-2020

Erawan Sogo
494 Ploenchit Rd., Phatumwan
Tel : (662) 255-0831

Fashion Island
5/5 Moo 7, Ramintra Rd.
Tel: (662) 947-5000

Future Park Rangsit
161 Moo 2, Paholyothin Rd.,
Viphavadee-Rangsit
Tel : (662) 958-0000

Gaysorn Plaza
999 Ploenchit Rd.
Tel : (662) 656-1149

Imperial Department Store
166/11-9 Sukhaphibal 2 Rd., Bangkapi,
Bangapi Br Tel : (662) 377-3814-5
Samrong Branch Tel : (662) 384-4291-9

Loft
3rd fl., Siam Discovery Center
Tel : (662) 658-0328-30

Isetan
World Trade Center, Rajadamri Rd., Pathumwan.
Tel : (662) 255-9898-9

Mah Boonkrong Center
444 Phayathai Rd., Pathumwan,
Tel : (662) 217-9101-29

Narayana Phan
127 Radamri Rd., Patumwan
Tel : (662) 255-4328

Office Depot
139 Ratchadapisak Rd., Dindaeng,
Tel : (662) 641-3737-40

Oriental Place
30/1 Soi 38, Charoenkrung Rd., Bangrak
Tel : (662) 266-0186-95

Pantip Plaza
604/3 Phetburi Rd., Phyathai,
Tel : (662) 251-3648

Peninsula Plaza
153 Rajadamri Rd.
Tel : (662) 253-9762

Rajadamri Arcade
95 Rajadamri Rd., Pathumwan,
Tel : (662) 251-4189-90

River City Shopping Complex
Siphaya Riverside
23,Yotha Rd.,Sampanthawong.
Tel : (662) 237-0077-8

Siam Center
195 Rama I Rd., Pathumwan,
Tel : (662) 251-1890-5

Siam Discovery
989 Rama 1 Rd., Pathumwan
Tel : (662) 658-1000-19

Silom Plaza Co., Ltd.
320 Silom Rd., Bangrak,
Tel : (662) 236-7563-7

Silom Village Trade Center
286 Silom Rd., Bangrak,
Tel : (662) 234-4584, (662) 235-8760-1

The Emporium Shopping Complex
662 Sukhumvit 24 Rd.,
Tel : (662) 664-8000

The Promenade Shopping Plaza
Nai Lert Tower, 2/4 Wireless Rd., Pathumwan.
Tel : (662) 254-0395

The Old Siam Plaza
12 Tripetch Rd., Wangburapa, Pranakorn.
Tel: (662) 226-0156-8

Times Square Shopping Plaza
246 Sukhumvit Rd., Klongtoey,
Tel : (662) 253-9333

Tokyo Department Store
Mahboonkrong Center, Rama I Rd.,Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330
Tel : (662) 317-9100

World Trade Center
Rajadarmri Rd., Pathumwan,
Tel : (662) 225-9500

Zen Department Store
World Trade Center
Tel : (662) 225-9667-80