Bangkok (Lonely Planet) - Andrew Burke [93]
Niwat Cutlery (Gaysorn Plaza, Click here) Born out of the ancient sword-making traditions of Ayuthaya province, the NV Aranyik company, a family-owned business, produces distinctively Thai stainless steel cutlery.
Propaganda (Siam Discovery Center, Click here, and Emporium Shopping Centre, Click here) Thai designer Chaiyut Plypetch dreamed up this brand’s signature character, the devilish Mr P who appears in anatomically correct cartoon lamps and other products.
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READING FRENZY
New books and magazines are available at Kinokuniya (www.kinokuniya.com) at Emporium and Siam Paragon. Asia Books (www.asiabooks.com), Bookazine (www.bookazines.blogspot.com) and B2S (www.b2s.co.th) have outlets at most malls in the city and a few stand-alone branches; check the websites for locations.
Art books can be found at Basheer (Map; 0 2391 9815; www.basheergraphic.com; H1, 998 Soi 55, Th Sukhumvit) and history buffs should visit Orchid Press.
Other than Elite Used Books (Map; 0 2258 0221; 593/5 Soi 33/1, Th Sukhumvit) and Dasa Book Café (Map; 0 2661 2993; btwn Soi 26 & 28, Th Sukhumvit), the Banglamphu area is home to nearly all of Bangkok’s secondhand bookstores. You’re not going to find any deals here, but the selection is decent.
Aporia Books (Map; 127 Th Tanao; 10am-10pm) Stocks both new and used books, including a great selection of guidebooks.
Moonlight Book Shop (Map; Th Khao San; 11am-11pm) An alleyway shop featuring used books.
Passport (Map; 0 2629 0694; 523 Th Phra Sumen; 11am-7.30pm) Although the vast majority of the titles here are in Thai, the shop is worth a visit for its artsy atmosphere and tasty drinks.
Rim Khob Fah Bookstore (Map; 0 2622 3510; 78/1 Th Ratchadamnoen Klang; 10am-7pm) Without having to commit loads of your suitcase space, you can sample an array of slim scholarly publications from the Fine Arts Department on Thai art and architecture.
Saraban (Map; 0 2629 1386; 106/1 Th Rambutri; 9.30am-10.30pm) Stocking the largest selection of international newspapers and travel guides, this claustrophobic shop also has a good selection of used yarns.
Shaman Bookstore (Map; 0 2629 0418; Dang Derm Hotel, 68-70 Th Khao San; 9am-9pm) This long-standing shop spans two locations (the second on Soi Susie, off Th Khao San) and has the area’s largest selection of used books. Titles can conveniently be searched using a computer program.
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For penny-pinchers and/or wholesalers the ultimate destination is Pratunam district, where a daily open-air bazaar fuels both locally made and cheap import goods.
Keep an eye out for end-of-season and payday sales, as well as the citywide sales spree in June.
PANTIP PLAZA
Map Computer Equipment
0 2656 5030; 604 Th Phetchaburi, Pratunam; 10am-10pm; Ratchathewi exit 4
If you can tolerate the crowds and annoying pornography vendors (‘DVD sex? DVD sex?’), Pantip, a multistorey computer and electronics warehouse, might just be your kinda paradise. Shiny new hardware isn’t really Pantip’s speciality, but grey market goods are. Technorati will find pirated software and music, gear for hobbyists to enhance their machines, flea market–style peripherals and other odds and ends. Up on the 6th floor is IT City ( 0 2656 5030), a reliable computer megastore that gives VAT Refund forms for tourists.
FLY NOW
Map Clothing
0 2656 1359; www.flynowbangkok.com; 2nd fl, Gaysorn Plaza, cnr Th Ploenchit & Th Ratchadamri, Ploenchit; Chit Lom exit 9
A long-standing leader in Bangkok’s home-grown fashion scene, Fly Now creates feminine couture that has caught the eyes of several international shows. Also available at Siam Center and Central World Plaza (opposite).
IT’S HAPPENED TO BE A CLOSET
Map Clothing
0814 037 418; 1st fl, Siam Paragon, 991/1 Th Phra Ram I, Siam Sq; 10am-10pm; Siam exits 3 & 5
Garbled grammar aside, this domestic brand has gained a reputation for its bright colours and