Shopping Advice:
 Fixed
prices are the norm in department stores, but at most other places
bargaining is to be expected. Usually you can obtain a final price
of between 10-40% lower than the asking price. Much depends on your
skill and the shopkeeper’s mood, but remember that Thais appreciate
a sense of humour. With patience and a smile, you will not only
get a better price, but you will also enjoy making a purchase. Providing
you have the time, it is best to shop around at different places
selling the kind of items you want before making a final decision.
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 THE
JEWEL FEST CLUB
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Jewellery and gemstones from Thailand
are a favourite item for many visitors to the Kingdom. Their beauty,
quality of craftsmanship and reasonable price have earned Thai precious
and semi-precious stones a worldwide reputation. Sometimes, though,
visitors complain about the activities of jewellers who have persuaded
them to purchase jewellery at an unjustified price.
Through the cooperation of the Thai Gem and Jewellery Traders Association
(TGJTA) and the Tourism Authority of Thailand
(TAT), the Jewel Fest Club has been established, bringing together
100 leading jewellery manufacturers and wholesalers. The club’s
aim is to offer quality products at reasonable prices with a money-back
guarantee if buyers are not completely satisfied with their purchases.
When you buy an item of jewellery from a store identified as a
member of the Jewel Fest Club, your purchase will be recorded and
a certificate will be issued to you. This certificate of authenticity
will state the nature and price of your purchase, as well as guaranteeing
your refund if you should wish to return it. You can contact the
Jewel Fest Club on 0 2630 1390-7, Fax: 0 2630 1398-9, or visit www.jewelfest.com.
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PACKING
& SHIPPING SERVICES
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 Most
shops are experienced at shipping
overseas and will attend to all necessary documentation such as
insurance, customs and permits. The Central Post Office also offers
a parcelwrapping service for those who want to make small shipments
themselves. For larger items bulk shipments you will need to contact
a specialist shipping company.
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VAT REFUNDS
Visitors entering the Kingdom on tourist visas are
entitled to refunds of the 7% value-added tax (VAT)
paid on goods purchased at shops
and department stores displaying a VAT Refund for Tourists
sign. The refund may be claimed on purchases amounting
to 5,000 baht or more. Tourists will receive a form
PP10 when purchases of 2,000 baht or more are made at
the same store on the same day.
Before checking in at an international airport (Bangkok,
Chiang Mai, Hat Yai,
Phuket, U-Taphao), visitors
must show their purchases, with the completed PP10 form
and tax invoices to the Customs Officer for inspection.
Refunds may be in the form of a bank draft or credited
to a credit card.
Two of the VAT Refund Offices at Suvarnabhumi
Airport are located on concourse D, Gate D1-D4 and
D5-D8, 4th Floor. The Customs Office is at the Passenger
Terminal, 4th Floor, behind check-in counter, Row H
near Gate 4th.
For more information, contact the VAT Refund for Tourists
Office,
Tel: 0 2272 9388, 0 2272 8195-8 or visit www.rd.go.th/vrt/engindex.html.
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