T-Shirt hunting in Bangkok - Go Thai. Be Free - Tourism Authority of Thailand LGBT+ Travel Inspiration (2024)

I’d heard that Bangkok has a thriving local fashion scene, especially in the case of T-shirts, my standard daily uniform. So I set off to find some “Ooh, I love your shirt, it’s so unique, can I give you my phone number” inspiring designs, as well as some unique Ts to serve as prezzies for family and friends.

On the advice of friends, I decided to visit Khao San Road, MBK Center and the night market along Silom road. I skipped Chatuchak Weekend Market – it’s an experience in itself, so we’ll save that for another time!

Khao San Road, what used to be the exclusive haunt of bedraggled backpackers, has transformed into a trendy area of clubs, bars and boutiques while maintaining a grungy appeal. It’s a great shopping experience but it’s also an ultimate people-watching venue (think human zoo), where you’re bound to see many a bronzed and beautiful bombshell.

T-shirt stalls line the streets of the Khao San area. There’s a decidedly hippy feeling in the air, and it’s reflected in the T-shirt designs: tasteful and artistic Buddhist and Asian imagery printed on light cotton shirts. My favorites included a powder-blue ornamental koi fish swirling across my chest, and a bright Ganesh print. They set me back 270 baht each (around $9).

Another favorite was a T with the Sanskrit writing that many Thai men have tattooed over their bodies for protection and strength. I don’t consider myself a softy, but as soon as I donned the shirt, I felt substantially stronger (and decidedly more butch to boot!).

From a selection of colorful shirts sporting local beer and drinks brands, my favorites were a bright red print of the local Singha soda brand, and a boxing match between a can of Chang beer and a can of Singha beer. Most T-shirts are made of good quality cotton and range in price from 180 – 450 baht ($6 – $15, depending on your bargaining power).

On the way to the next stop, the famous Mahboonkrong, or MBK Shopping Center, I wanted to pass through Siam Center. Unfortunately, it’s closed for renovations until December 2012. After December, I recommend a visit as it has many small boutiques featuring local designers. Jay Emanuel of America’s Next Top Model was seen sporting a design from this venue’s Theatre boutique.

MBK is a must-visit – a bargain hunter’s paradise with extensive electronics sections and floors and floors of clothing. While many of the shirts are copies of international brands, on the 4th floor you’ll find shops full of souvenir and joke t-shirts at ridiculous prices (99 baht, or just over $3). Great gift ideas for nieces, nephews and ex-boyfriends.

T choices: every conceivable way of placing an elephant onto a shirt, tuktuks, wats and the Thai alphabet. Sounds tacky, but there are many conversation starters that could get you a phone number or two.

The-printed-word Ts: need help coming out? Consider the “Sorry Girls, I’m Gay”. Help a friend come out and get yourself the “I think he’s gay (arrow left)”. Smile inducers include the Dead Bull, Star*ucks, “Tonight I am single”, “No Money, No Honey”… you get the drift.

Finally, Silom night market, with its boundless range of T prints. Near Soi 2, find Ts bedecked in real Swarovski crystals. A little too bling for my liking, but I’m told they’re a hit in Ibiza. They even take your own design for personalized bling. In Soi 4, Body Talk offers a selection of figure-hugging tanks and Ts sporting dragons, a number or the word “Gym.” Go figure.

T-Shirt hunting in Bangkok - Go Thai. Be Free - Tourism Authority of Thailand LGBT+ Travel Inspiration (2024)

FAQs

How much should I pay for a shirt in Thailand? ›

Here are some examples of what prices to expect for various clothing items in Thai markets: A sarong will cost about 200 Baht (6.62 USD, 6 EUR, 5.15 GBP) A regular t-shirt will cost about 300 Baht (9.90 USD, 9 EUR, 7.70 GBP)

How much does a shirt cost in Bangkok? ›

Most T-shirts are made of good quality cotton and range in price from 180 – 450 baht ($6 – $15, depending on your bargaining power).

What is the slogan of Bangkok? ›

Bangkok's new slogan? "City of Angels, built by angels, central city of governance, brilliant temples and palaces, the capital of Thailand."

What Thailand is famous for? ›

What is Thailand famous for? Thailand is world-famous for its spa massages, beaches, Buddhist temples, nightlife, and, of course, shopping.

How much money do you need to carry to Thailand? ›

How much INR can I carry to Thailand? The minimum amount of money required to enter Thailand is 10,000 baht (INR 23,411) per person and 20,000 baht (INR 46,283) per family. You're not permitted to import more than 50,000 baht (INR 1,17,057) per person. Can INR be exchanged in Thailand?

Which country is the cheapest place to make a T shirt? ›

KENNEY: Rubana Huq runs a group of garment factories in Bangladesh making dress shirts and blazers. She says, you know, Bangladesh has done so well, in large part by being the cheapest place in the world to make clothes.

How much does girl cost in Bangkok? ›

Bangkok prostitutes of all clusters charge a standard (median) price of around 1,500THB (about 40USD) per deed. Notable exceptions include the suburban Donmuang-Rangsit area whose upper quantile is substantially lower than the rest; this coincides with the area's lower average income.

Is Bangkok cheaper than the US? ›

Estimates for the cost of living in Thailand generally say it's between 35% and 75% cheaper than living in the U.S. According to March 2022 Numbeo, a site that collects cost of living data from around the world, the average cost of living in Thailand is roughly 40% lower than the average cost of living in the U.S. ...

What is a fair price for at shirt? ›

Consider the following pricing tips:

Check the prices in your niche to find the average t-shirt price. The recommended retail price ranges from $24.99 to $30.99 per shirt (some successful sellers set their prices at $3-5 above the typical range).

Why is Bangkok so special? ›

Bangkok has attracted millions of visitors annually for decades, offering tourists an incredible experience of cultural tradition-meets-modernity. It's got world-class food, stunning historical landmarks, and some of the best hospitality around the globe.

Which country owns Bangkok? ›

Bangkok, Thai Krung Thep, city, capital, and chief port of Thailand. It is the only cosmopolitan city in a country of small towns and villages and is Thailand's cultural and commercial centre.

What makes Bangkok famous? ›

Bangkok is Thailand's capital city and trading centre, situated beside the Chao Phraya River. It is popular for its magnificent palaces, skyscrapers, museums and markets that attract tourists worldwide. Also, adventure lovers visit this spot to explore its cultural and historical landmarks.

Why is Thailand so cheap? ›

The reason Thailand is so cheap for tourists ultimately comes down to the lower cost of living. Thailand's cost of living is much lower than in developed countries, this in turn has a knock-on effect bringing the costs of goods and services down.

Why do people love Thailand? ›

With epic tropical beauty, ancient temples, amazing food scene and vibrant nightlife, Thailand truly has a chaotic charm to it that attracts people from across the globe. The country, also referred to as the Land of Smiles, never disappoints. So let's check out some of the best places to visit in Thailand.

What type of food do they eat in Thailand? ›

Our Top 10 Traditional Thai foods You Must Try In Thailand
  • Massaman Curry. No one has yet to pin down where exactly this rustic curry dish came from. ...
  • Pad Kra Prao. ...
  • Kao Ka Moo. ...
  • Khao Soi. ...
  • Yam Nua (Beef Salad) ...
  • Pad Woon Sen (Stir-fried Glass Noodles) ...
  • Kway Teow (noodle soup) ...
  • Hor Mok Ma Prow Awn (seafood coconut curry)
Dec 27, 2018

What I Cannot bring to Thailand? ›

The following are some examples of prohibited goods:
  • Narcotics.
  • p*rnographic materials.
  • Counterfeit trademark goods and IPR infringing goods.
  • Fake notes or coins.
  • Reserved animals or CITES-listed wildlife.

What is the legal drinking age in Thailand? ›

Thailand's legal drinking age is 20

No matter what other tourists tell you about the leniency regarding underage tourists and alcohol, the Thai law is the Thai law. And Thai police have publicly stated they're cracking down on underage drinking more than ever since the Pandemic began.

Can you wear socks in Thailand? ›

Socks are considered tacky, but comfortable flip flops or sandals work well if sneakers or walking shoes don't appeal.

How much US dollars can I bring into Thailand? ›

Currency restrictions

The import and export of local currency is limited to THB฿50,000 per person or THB฿100,000 per family. The import and export of foreign currency is unlimited, but amounts over US$20,000 must be declared.

How much money can you bring to Thailand from USA? ›

Any person who brings or takes an aggregate amount of foreign currency exceeding USD20,000 or its equivalent out of or into Thailand shall declare such amount of foreign currency to a Customs Officer.

Can you use American dollars in Thailand? ›

What currency do they use in Thailand? Thai Baht (THB) is the official currency that's used in Thailand. Besides THB, US dollars are also acceptable in Thailand.

Which country wears the most T-shirts? ›

In 2015, the U.S. (X million units) was the leading t-shirt consuming market, distantly followed by China (X million units), the U.K. (X million units), and Canada (X million units). Together, these countries accounted for approximately X% of global consumption.

Which country makes the best shirts? ›

Which Countries Have The Best Clothing Manufacturers? (Industry Research)
  • China. China currently holds the top position among countries with the best cloth manufacturers. ...
  • Bangladesh. ...
  • Vietnam. ...
  • India. ...
  • Italy. ...
  • Turkey. ...
  • Germany. ...
  • United States.

How much does a Thai girl cost for the night? ›

1200 seems to be the median price. 1500 and up is what you will pay for the prettiest girls and if this is early in the night or if this is a Friday or Saturday night. If you book for a girl to come to your hotel from WeChat, Badoo, Tinder or Thaifriendly, prices will most likely be 1500 to 2500 for short time.

How much does a lady drink cost in Thailand? ›

By the way, even if you go alone, you can buy a lady drink (200 baht) for a working woman and have a drink while talking and playing board games. The price doesn't seem cheap. If you play together, you get a deal asking if you want to go to the second round, but you are free to decide what to do with it.

What is the highest price of a shirt? ›

Just take the world's most expensive t-shirt, a super luxurious tee that comes with an astonishing price of $400,000. Yes, that's four hundred thousand US dollars. So what makes this one so expensive, you might ask? Well, it's made from 100% organic cotton.

Is 40 dollars for a shirt a lot? ›

A nice dress shirt would run around $40, and could easily cost more, depending on the material and quality. A simple dress shirt with a collar made out of cotton and without any special qualities would run $19–35.

How much should you pay on clothes? ›

According to Dunn, you should spend 5% of your monthly income on clothing. To find the exact dollar amount you should be spending per month, multiply your take-home pay by 0.05. For example, if your monthly take-home pay is $3000, you should spend around $150 per month on clothing.

What is Ladyboys of Bangkok? ›

"The Lady Boys of Bangkok" is a kathoey revue that has been performed in the UK since 1998, touring the country in both theatres and the famous "Sabai Pavilion" for nine months each year.

Why is Bangkok called Sin city? ›

This is district which earns title of sex capital of Asia for Bangkok because of its nightlife! During the day it is shopping street, but in the night it turns into crazy nightlife spot.

Is Bangkok left or right? ›

One difference from other parts of the world is that in Thailand, like in the United Kingdom, you drive on the left side of the road, and the driver's seat is on the right, so if you're visiting from the United States or another country where people drive on the right side of the street, initially this may feel awkward ...

Who controls Thailand now? ›

King Vajiralongkorn (or Rama X) of Thailand has reigned since the death of his father Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX) on 13 October 2016; exercising limited rule since 1 December 2016 . He is the head of state, aided in his duties by the Privy Council of Thailand.

Does Bangkok have a royal family? ›

The monarchy of Thailand (whose monarch is referred to as the king of Thailand; Thai: พระมหากษัตริย์ไทย, or historically, king of Siam; Thai: พระเจ้ากรุงสยาม) refers to the constitutional monarchy and monarch of the Kingdom of Thailand (formerly Siam).

Why is Bangkok so clean? ›

Bangkok is Clean and Safe

Locals sweep the streets by hand every day, and in many cases vendors and business owners wash their portion of the sidewalks with buckets of water. Street vendors in particular have an incentive to keep their place of business clean.

Do you tip in Thailand? ›

Tipping is NOT customary in Thailand, there is absolutely NO mandatory requirement to tip anyone, but small gratuities for great service are very much appreciated. Unlike some other parts of the world, you will never see a Thai service provider with his hand out waiting for a tip.

Why do people like Bangkok so much? ›

The delicious cuisine, buzzing nightlife and serene temples are just a few of the reasons why travellers come to Bangkok. But there's more to the city than that and, according to the people who live there, many more reasons to love it. Here, five Bangkokians explain what makes their city so darn great.

Is the US dollar strong in Thailand? ›

US Dollar to Thai Baht Exchange Rate is at a current level of 33.86, up from 33.78 the previous market day and down from 34.39 one year ago. This is a change of 0.24% from the previous market day and -1.54% from one year ago.

How much money do you need a day in Thailand? ›

If you're backpacking Thailand, plan to budget between 800-1,125 THB per day. This range gets you your own room (fan only) with a shared bathroom (or a dorm room on the lower end), food from the street stalls, a couple of drinks per day, a few tours here and there, and local transportation.

Why do Americans go to Thailand? ›

For a long time, people were isolated to their own countries. Over time, traveling overseas was possible, but there were many hurdles to jump through. Thailand has always been a favorite destination for US holiday goers. Delicious food, diverse culture, and stunning beaches have drawn people year after year.

Are Thai people friendly to foreigners? ›

As you know, most Thai people are kind and friendly, but Thai people ask different kinds of questions when they meet foreigners. It may be shocking at first, because some are very personal questions, and the culture takes some getting used to. When Thai people ask you these questions, they don't mean to offend you.

What is the most popular street food in Thailand? ›

Guay teow, or noodle soup, is the most popular street food dish in Thailand. You'll find big bubbling pots in Bangkok street food markets and across the country, with vendors ready to dish up a hot bowl of noodles, meat and broth.

What time is dinner in Thailand? ›

Dinner is generally eaten between 7:00pm and 8:00pm. It is the main meal of the day. It is generally an informal meal with meat or fish, rice and is similar to lunch except often more dishes are served. Main dishes made at home, include a variety of stir fried dishes and soups.

What is a typical Thai dinner? ›

When eating out, or making a meal at home, a group of Thai diners would eat a variety of meat and/or fish dishes, plus vegetables, a noodle dish, and possibly soup. Everything is shared, except the soup each person might order, or each person gets a personal bowl to get a serving of the soup.

Do I need to bring toilet paper to Thailand? ›

Unless you are at a very westernized place such as a mall, you better make sure you are carrying some sort of wipe; toilet paper or baby wipes. Thai people don't use toilet tissue in the same way others might.

Do you need to carry cash in Thailand? ›

Will you need cash or credit card in Thailand? You need both. For markets, street stalls, tuk tuks and songtaews, you will certainly need cash. For convenience stores, shopping malls , hotels, larger restaurants and more, you can use your credit card.

Is smoking illegal in Thailand? ›

Smoking in public could result in a fine of up to 5,000 Baht. This includes electronic cigarettes which are illegal in Thailand and their use may incur further fines or imprisonment.

Is it illegal to chew gum in Thailand? ›

Not as strict as Singapore, where chewing gum is only available with a doctor's prescription, thailand still has strict laws regarding the disposal of chewed gum. Throwing your chewed gum on the street is prohibited and can get you a fine of about 20000 bath.

What medications are illegal in Thailand? ›

Act Promulgating the Narcotics Code, B.E. 2564 (2021): Codeine, Dihydrocodeine, Diphenoxylate, Fentanyl, Hydrocodone, Hydromorphone, Methadone, Morphine, Oxycodone, Pethidine, Tapentadol, Tilidine.

Do people use condoms in Thailand? ›

While condom use with sex workers is common in Thailand, condom use is inconsistent with casual partners and extremely rare among married couples [22]. Only 21% of sexually active Thai high school students reported ever having used condoms [23].

Is it OK to wear flip flops in Thailand? ›

Can you wear flip flops in Thailand? There are no restrictions to wear flip flops in Thailand except in temples and other religious sites in Thailand. Flip flops are the best footwear for leisurely walks on the Thai beaches and beach towns. One of my most read blog articles is Dress Code For Tourists In Thailand.

Can you show cleavage in Thailand? ›

The basic rule is to cover your shoulders and knees (both sexes), and ideally, you'd cover your ankles too. On the bottom, wear longer shorts, capris, pants/trousers or a knee-length-or-longer skirt. On top, choose any shirt that fully covers your shoulders and has zero cleavage.

What is a good price to pay for a shirt? ›

Check the prices in your niche to find the average t-shirt price. The recommended retail price ranges from $24.99 to $30.99 per shirt (some successful sellers set their prices at $3-5 above the typical range). Evaluate your target audience (the younger the audience, the lower your prices should be).

Is Thailand cheap for shopping clothes? ›

Thailand is famous for having some of the best shopping hubs in the world. From cheap products to high-end items, Thailand is where you can find just about anything.

Are branded items cheaper in Thailand? ›

Brands names definitely aren't cheaper in Thailand, when my Dad visits he always wants to go to the Adidas shops in the big shopping centres. Clothes there aren't cheaper than he can get in the UK, but rather there are different styles and colours on offer out here.

How much does fabric cost in Thailand? ›

Prices are generally between 100-280 baht per meter for normal cotton and stretch satin, as low as 75 baht for cottons on sale and up to 600 baht per meter for silk satin.

What shirt sizes sell the best? ›

When you look at the numbers, large is the most common shirt size. In fact, it accounts for about 30 percent of shirt sales. Coming in at 28 percent, the size medium is a close runner-up and extra large is next at 20 percent.

Should I carry cash to Thailand? ›

Will you need cash or credit card in Thailand? You need both. For markets, street stalls, tuk tuks and songtaews, you will certainly need cash. For convenience stores, shopping malls , hotels, larger restaurants and more, you can use your credit card.

What money is best to take to Thailand? ›

Taking cash & cards to Thailand

We recommend that you change some money into Baht on arrival and it is advisable to carry local currency in small denominations (20, 50 and 100 Baht notes) for tipping and the purchase of small items.

Is Thailand cheap for Americans? ›

Thailand is a very affordable country to visit. Though it isn't as cheap as its Southeast Asian neighbours, like Laos or Cambodia, Thailand is still a very affordable travel destination. Travellers can easily have an incredible time exploring Thailand on a backpacker budget.

What material is best to wear in Thailand? ›

Even the lightest fabrics, like chiffon, made of polyester will just trap heat and make you miserable. Clothing made of cotton, linen, bamboo, rayon, and silk are more breathable and better suited for a trip to Thailand. The one exception is perhaps sportswear specifically designed to wick sweat and breathe.

How much does a meal out cost in Thailand? ›

The average cost of a basic Thai meal in a restaurant is 90 – 150 baht. Seafood invariably costs more. A plate of noodles in a basic restaurant in Sukhumvit is around 100 baht.

What clothing material is Thailand famous for? ›

Thailand is famous for its silk, with various grades of quality and suppleness found in different silk-manufacturing regions, mostly in the northern and northeastern provinces. phu*ket is particularly famous for batik, which is commonly used to make sarongs, shirts, ties, and scarves.

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