Narai Phand, Bangkok

Just returned to LA after spending a quick two days in Bangkok. I saw nothing in Bangkok like the impressive, high craft-fine art, hand painted ceramics on the top floor of Narai Phand Co. (save for a few tea cups at the airport). It was mostly common tourist stuff on the lower floors, but the top floor was unique. I connected with what I found and could not resist the purchase of a coffee/tea set and water pitcher which now sit most pleasingly in my china cabinet. I had a most positive experience with Sudjai, the high-value sales floor manager at Narai Phand and am in contact with her to repair or replace one broken tea cup due to hazards of airline baggage handling. She and her staff carefully packed the entire set and there would, no doubt, have been much damage without their careful packing. The purchase cost was high by Thailand standard of living, but few middle class Thai's could afford such luxury. The cost relative to value on the world market was an absolute bargain. For various reasons, I anticipate that the future cost of similar ceramics to US consumers will rise substantially. Go see Sudjai (been with employer 20 years) or her sales staff. Go see the wonderful depth of quality ceramics in their inventory.

Unlike what Mark in Chicago has written, I think Narai Phand is fantastic. Nowhere "on the street" could I find anything like their tableware, which, BTW, costs triple outside of Thailand IF you can get it. The quality of our handpainted, gold leaf cups and saucers is commented on all the time. Maybe you can get some silk goods on the street, but most things there are not readily available elsewhere at the same prices.