Bangkok travel guide
Retail
A “Made in Thailand” stamp seals much of our section on Bangkok’s best retail. The capital has forged a reputation for delivering beautifully crafted products en masse to savvy consumers. Here you’ll find outstanding retailers and enterprising owners driven by purposeful ideas.
The Decorum, Phayathai
What started in 2017 as a sharply dressed side hustle for its two co-founders has grown into Bangkok’s foremost menswear retailer. The Decorum has a growing number of shops across the Thai capital with an expanding own-label collection and an active calendar of trunk shows. The original Ari flagship is worth a visit if you’re after well-made casualwear. Its sister shop, Club Luminaries, is conveniently located on the same street.
thedecorumbkk.com
Pronto Denim, Pathumwan
Chnanon Sachdev has done the seemingly impossible with Pronto Denim, transferring the grit of heritage denim into numerous Bangkok malls. In fact, Sachdev has managed it so well that the business is considered one of the world’s most successful purveyors of raw denim. His shops display tasteful vintage items, while a team of denim aficionados add to the atmosphere. You’ll find more than just US brands here: denim from Japan includes The Flat Head, Iron Heart and Pure Blue Japan.
Siam Square, Rama I Road, 10330+66 (0)2 251 7448
prontodenim.com
Beams, Wattana
Japanese brand Beams, established in 1976, has transported its tasteful take on everyday clothes for men and women south to the EmQuartier complex in Bangkok. Shop at the label’s first outpost in Southeast Asia for its casual clothing, accessories and footwear across a space fitted out with dark wood, stone and glass. These calm, clean surroundings are analogous to the Tokyo fashion company’s reputation for impeccable attention to detail and friendly customer service.
1F Helix Quarter, EmQuartier, Sukhumvit Road, 10110+66 (0)2 003 6067
beams.co.jp
ZudRangMa Records, Wattana
Even if you’re not planning to take a stack of vinyl home, ZudRangMa makes a worthy excursion for both music aficionados and the more casual culture fan. It’s a vintage record shop where you’ll discover the best in Thai music dating from the 1950s to early 1980s. From funk-influenced molam (traditional storytelling) to luk kreung and luk thung Thai folk music, there’s an eclectic and well-considered collection to choose from – handpicked by globe-trotting owner, musician and DJ Maft Sai.
Most records are sourced from Bangkok’s Chinatown, night markets and the private collections of ex-DJs. Seek out special compilations from the tasteful in-house team or amuse yourself by leafing through the deeply stacked rows of rare vinyl that’s shelved ceiling-high.
7/1 Sukhumvit Soi 51, 10110+66 (0)88 891 1314
zudrangmarecords.com
Senada, Pathumwan
Luxury womenswear brand Senada Theory showcases bright and unique prints created in Thailand, with imported, quality fabrics. At the flagship shop in the Siam Center, visitors will find striking designer collaborations with international talents such as Italian jewellery designer Riccardo Goti. Senada’s sophisticated offerings are designed by founder Chanita Preechawitayakul. Her past in biochemistry was overtaken by her passion for design 20 years ago; she ditched the lab coat to start sketching up her dream dresses.
2nd Fl., Gaysorn Village, 999 Phloen Chit Rd, Lumphin+66 (0)2 252 2757
senadatheory.com
Images: Christopher Wise, Jason Michael Lang, Lillian Suwanrumpha