Destination: Thailand
Shop Thailand Bangkok - Handicrafts, Antiques & Markets Chiang Mai - Handicrafts, Antiques & Markets Chiang Rai - Handicrafts, Antiques & Markets Khon Kaen - Handicrafts, Antiques & Markets Nong Khai - Handicrafts, Antiques & Markets Phuket - Handicrafts, Antiques & Markets Bangkok - Department Stores & Supermarkets Chiang Mai - Department Stores & Supermarkets Nakhon Ratchasima - Department Stores & Supermarkets Pattaya - Department Stores & Supermarkets Phuket - Department Stores & Supermarkets Bangkok - Books & Magazines Chiang Mai - Books & Magazines Phuket - Books & Magazines Bangkok - Gems, Jewellery & Silk Chiang Mai - Gems, Jewellery & Silk Phuket - Gems, Jewellery & Silk	Counterfeits and Fakes Thailand was once known as the place to go for counterfeit Gucci, Louis Vuitton and Rolex products, not to mention imitation Nike, Benetton and a wide range of other designer goods. This is increasingly not the case as the Thai authorities are cracking down on fake goods. But beware - a wide range of computer software is still available at many outlets. Antiques and Buddha Images As in most countries, it is illegal to export valuable antiquities without a licence. That said, Thai artisans produce an amazing range of authentic-looking reproduction antiquities that are also reasonably priced. Note that Buddha images, whether old or new, should not be exported without a licence. This is because the Thais do not wish Buddha images to be used as lampstands or for other non-religious purposes. They believe this demeans the Buddha. English-Language Newspapers Thailand has a remarkably free press and produces two of the finest English-language newspapers in Asia. The Nation and Bangkok Post are both quality productions, to the extent that the Thai elite and middle classes prefer them to newspapers in the vernacular. They even follow the European and North American sports scene in depth. Occasional news sheets are produced for tourists in German, French and Japanese. Thailand's three bookshop chains, Asia Books, Bookazine and Duang Kamol (DK) Book House, are good for new books and magazines. Asia Books, with Bangkok's best selection of English-language titles on Asia, is at Bangkok and Thailand's international airports; DK Books and Bookazine are in most towns and cities. Jewellery Scams Many visitors are still taken in by gem tricksters in Bangkok and elsewhere. Beware of unsolicited approaches by individuals promising special sales or the opportunity to 'buy cheap and sell dear' when you return home. Unless you really know your gems, ask yourself why the salesman would let someone else take the profit instead of selling the gems on the international market himself.	COUNTRY Thailand   Viewing   Top Ten   What To See   Where To ...     Eat & Drink     Stay     Shop     Take The Kids     Be Entertained     What's On When   Practical Matters REGION CITIES MAPS World Europe TRAVEL BOOK