Bangkok gun shops: What's inside and why tourists can't buy

Richard S. Ehrlich — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 22:10:15 +0000

If you have an itchy trigger finger while visiting Thailand it may be difficult to purchase a gun, but wealthy foreigners and Thais who live here can enjoy buying weapons if they possess the correct documents.

Tourists can, however, buy custom-made leather holsters and other accessories at the estimated 80 weapons stores along Burapha Road, just east of the Sala Chalerm Krung Royal Theatre, where the vast majority of Bangkok's gun shops are located.

Most of the shops have been in business for more than 40 years and welcome walk-in customers, but may discourage photographs of their deadly arsenals.

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Making Buddhist amulets in Lamphun

Richard S. EhrlichRichard S. Ehrlich — Sun, 11 Dec 2011 21:55:48 +0000

A northern Thailand temple lets travelers make their own clay talismans, an ancient craft normally reserved for monks

Richard S. Ehrlich

A Buddhist temple in Lamphun, near Chiang Mai, is giving Thais and foreigners a rare opportunity to make Buddhist amulets out of clay and experience an ancient craft while participating on a spiritual level. Or at least simply acquire a unique souvenir.

Buddhist amulets are some of the most popular items produced by Thais. Markets in virtually every city and village sell them, ranging in price from one baht to more than 3 million baht.

Throughout this predominantly Buddhist country, amulets are made of clay, stone, wood, metal, ceramic or other materials.

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Wheeling and dealing at Bangkok's pawn shops

Richard S. EhrlichRichard S. Ehrlich — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 21:58:02 +0000

Unfortunately, Bangkok's pawn shops don't peddle kitsch. But there are still bargains to be had

Richard S. Ehrlich

In Bangkok, people are often embarrassed about taking cherished jewelry and other personal treasures to a pawn shop. They also worry whether they can pay back the loan or finance the interest payments so they don't lose their valuable possessions forever.

If their luck runs out, Bangkok's pawn shops put the ill-fated items up for sale.

But anyone seeking to buy something in the shops' somber, cramped chambers must compete with professional dealers and gold shop owners who try to snatch the best pieces first.

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Recent Posts by Author

Bangkok gun shops: What's inside and why tourists can't buy

Making Buddhist amulets in Lamphun

Wheeling and dealing at Bangkok's pawn shops