cheap shopping, Bangkok

Shopping, eh?  The real question in Thailand is "Shopping for what?"  Best buy ever: the Nancy Chandler map of Bangkok- it is loaded with amazingly accurate info.

cheapest things:
-comfy, casual clothes (Khao San Rd., MBK shopping center, the shops in Siam Square behind the Lido Theatre- across the street from Siam Center)
-silver jewelry (same places as clothes)
-handicrafts (OTOP center near Gaysorn shopping plaza)
-bags, bags, bags! (everywhere you look)
-tailor made suits  (best stuff at Silom or Sukhumvit shops, Khao San for lower quality)
-souveniers (Khao San Rd.)

expensive things (these are out of my price range-so I don't know where to buy them):
-real antiques
-gold
-art

Any upper class hotel will tell you where to go for the expensive stuff.  But, stick to the backpackers areas around Sukhumvit- the quality will be better.

***And, last but not least***
JJ Market (Chatuchak weekend market)- Friday through Sunday, at the Mochit skytrain stop.  Anything that can be purchased under the sun will be in this market.  Bargains aplenty for those who love to do so, cheap starting prices for those who aren't up for any hassle.  Come early and be willing to devote a whole morning to this place.  Wear loose clothes so you can try stuff on and bring an extra large shopping sack to carry your goodies home.