Hi all,

I am hoping to buy some interesting Thai instruments and would love any input - I prefer fairtrade for artisan works in general, and read online about Chitralda shops, which seem to be the royal-sponsored version of Narai Phrand. . .But try locating one online other than the airport!

So, if you've found one in BKK, where might that have been? Prices compared to Narai P? Perhaps the airport outlet is priced on par with in-town, so no sense fussing and look forward to a way to enjoy killing time pre-boarding?

How are prices on the funky flute things that look a bit like bongs? Or prices in general, so I can feel as though I have shopped around! I bought a brilliant drum in Egypt, so am looking to continue the tradition.

This is what I found there are shops at Oriental Place, Charoen Krung Rd, Soi 38, Near Oriental Hotel, Express Boat: Tha Oriental Pier, Thaniya Plaza, Silom Rd, Sky Train: Sala Daeng station, also at the Grand Palace and at the airport.

i know of a couple....there is one in the plaza attached to the marriott resort and spa on the river.....there is another one right on sukhumvit near to nana station....its on the odd soi numbered side of sukhumvit...

i have never seen "instruments" in either of them...

Chitralada does have a web site but in Thai only and with only a few items pictured.

Here's the site: http://www.chitraladashop.com/

By the way, Naraiphand is operated by the Ministry of Industry to promote traditional crafts. It is not, I think, a state enterprise that is expected to make a profit.

Also, there's a big cultural fair going on this month around the cultural center, and at a few department stores. There's a lot of booths set up around the cultural center, so if I were looking for something offbeat and cultural, I'd head there.

michael....what is the cultural center?? where is it?