Searching for quality in Thailand

[RLAretired]

.

In Thailand, finding "cheap" is easy, but finding "quality" is difficult.  I'll start a thread about where & how to find quality products and services.  (This thread is not intended as a ”winge" about bad quality experiences.)

Restaurants:  Always dependable quality in restaurants in 4-5 star hotels, although taste often uninspired.  Finding good, independent restaurants is possible, just takes some looking.  My most reliable clue to quality is foreign food and foreign management, although not a guarantee.  I look for foreign-owned restaurants that have been in business 5 years or more.  A few examples are Bourbon Street, Bangkok Bob’s, Olive, Chesa, Stable Lodge.

 

 

Vitamins & Food Supplements: With the low quality of most local food ingredients, I've greatly increased my use of vitamins and food supplements since coming to Thailand.  Thai brands of such products are never worth buying.  Imported brands can be okay, such as Blackmore, but even there the quality is mediocre.   Many foreign brands offered on Lazada -- examples are Now, Doctor's Best, Kirkland (Costco) -- but I don't trust anything on Lazada.  Only solution I've found is order from abroad.  Fortunately, many vitamin suppliers offer international shopping at modest rates.

Clothing:  This is a problem area.  Even at Central and Robinsons, emphasis always more on style than on quality.  I’ve wasted a lot of money trying to save money on unknown brands, so now I only buy “name” brands.  Examples are Jockey underwear, Levi's jeans, Scholl’s for shoes.

Furniture:   Another problem area.  A pretty fabric on a sofa is much more common than durable construction.  Again, my answer is imported products.  IKEA is an example: I hate their stores because of their convoluted “pathways”, but their quality endures, so I buy there. 

Appliances:  The worst area for trying to find quality products.  Japanese brands usually last longer without cracking, breaking, or burning out.  Korean appliances are highly variable, but still far better than Chinese-made.  Hatari fans -- a Thai company but could be made in China -- has been steadily improving their product quality in recent years.  Another Thai company with surprisingly good quality is Otto.  Probably made in China, I don't know, but Otto products last longer than other local brands.

Electronics:  For small, electronic items, such as a USP hub or printer cables, I just don’t know where to find quality here.  Everything available is made cheaply.  For larger items -- mobile phone, computer, printer -- buying name brands like Apple, Samsung, Epson, Brother is my solution.

 

Sources:  Ordering from Lazada or AliExpress usually gets junk products.  Not everything, but most things, and in electronics the junk factor is highest.  I’ll pay more at stores where I can shop in person -- like Central or Global House -- because they do a better job of quality control on the products they sell.

Other ideas for finding quality products here?
.
 

Edited August 17, 2019 by RLAretired
.

[NCC1701A]

this was one of my biggest culture shocks in the first year here in Thailand.

I came here with nothing but slowly began buying things. I can't believe how much stuff I have thrown out, sometimes after just a few days.

I gave up and just simplified and lowered my expectations. That is why I don't own a house or business here.   

And in the rare event that you do find what you are looking for, the next time you go back, not only will the business be closed, but the entire building will be gone. 

 

Ironically, every trip to the USA I bring back USB cellphone chargers and cables, sunglasses, wallets, shoes, underwear.   

 

Edited August 17, 2019 by NCC1701A

[NCC1701A]

19 minutes ago, RLAretired said:

such as a USP hub or printer cables,

look for UGreen shop on Lazada.

 

[RLAretired]

13 minutes ago, NCC1701A said:

this was one of my biggest culture shocks in the first year here in Thailand.

 

"Culture shock."  I didn't think of it that way, but so true.

 

[at15]

you can find quality stuff if you look hard enough in the larger cities, the problem is it will be absurdly expensive. 

 

food wise, well you should not be eating any thai food if you care about your health. properly prepared thai food at home is an exception. 

Edited August 17, 2019 by at15

[NCC1701A]

Just now, RLAretired said:

 

"Culture shock."  I didn't think of it that way, but so true.

 

Thailand has been poor for so long there was not market for quality because 99% can't afford it.

Thais are trapped in the poor persons cycle of buying the same thing three times for more instead of higher quality just once.

But it is changing right in front of out eyes but it is a slow process. 

 

[LivinLOS]

This is one of the things that gradually has worn on me over the years, to the point where I really debate the overall quality of life aspects. 

I should say I have mild ocd, walk into a thai house, where light switches might be both up and down for 'on' where tiles are never centered on walls, where design choices are made so glaringly cack handed, its like an itch in my head !! 

I like quality things.. Quality home audio, quality engineering, cars, construction, etc etc.. As stated by the OP cheap crap is, well, cheap.. Good quality (what is called luxury I guess) is so much higher priced it takes away any saving from some cheap plates of rice. 

I have to really focus on the positives, climate, gardens, pool, etc etc and try to just ignore the annoyances, but its not easy. I do find spending part of my year back in the west, makes for a more satisfying combination of both. 

[NCC1701A]

1 minute ago, LivinLOS said:

I have to really focus on the positives, climate, gardens, pool, etc etc and try to just ignore the annoyances, but its not easy.

yes the only time I get annoyed here now is when I try to do some sort of hobby activity and you want tools and quality raw materials to do something right. Not easy. 

[Tayaout]

Lazada is ok if you buy branded stuff or search for review on google.

 

It also help sometimes to tick the "local" filter so it keeps only stuff sold in thai store. You get your stuff faster and it remove all the spammy and misleading Chinese junk.

 

You need to know what you are looking for or sort by the highest priced item then search the same thing at a cheaper price. 

 

For example I buy Bosh, Makita and Dewalt tools on lazada. Total seems pretty good also for tools. 

 

I buy Opinel and Victorinox knifes, Zippo lighter, etc. 

 

I also buy food in bulk like extra virgin and coconut oil, flour, etc. 

 

 

Edited August 17, 2019 by Tayaout

[Dexlowe]

I was never under any illusions about Thailand before I got here as I'd read a lot about SEA and had many discussions with experienced travellers. I was also very low-key, so never one with expensive tastes. Still, my biggest disappointments were clothes, which for some reason I had expected to be at least durable. Only after I was freed from the bonds of international school fees (????) did I splash out a little and started buying Camel Active shirts - casual and smart, I still have them after 15 years and they still look great, though I've had the collars reversed. Hush Puppy shoes have been another great buy, 13 years and still not needing new soles (but don't get worn much these days).

[poohy]

Re hobbies i agree 

I sail a RC sailboat and needed a replacement servo, dealers/ shops here  NO hab! cannot etc.

Ordered exact brand name one on line from UK sent by EMS arrived within 4 days cost including post 500 THB cheaper than if i had bought here!

[RLAretired]

22 minutes ago, LivinLOS said:

This is one of the things that gradually has worn on me over the years, to the point where I really debate the overall quality of life aspects. 

 

Whew!  I thought I was the only one.

 

Thank you, @LivinLOS for posting that.

.

[RLAretired]

12 minutes ago, poohy said:

Re hobbies i agree

 

Hobbies: Yes, indeed.  I should have thought of that category -- especially important for older, retired, expats.

 

 

Include bikers, too, eh?  Lots of bikers here.  I wonder what they do for quality tools and parts, and for more serious repair services.

 

And in the same category, sports.  Well, maybe only one sport: golf.  How do the golfers find quality gear?

 

 

[ThomasThBKK]

27 minutes ago, LivinLOS said:

This is one of the things that gradually has worn on me over the years, to the point where I really debate the overall quality of life aspects. 

I should say I have mild ocd, walk into a thai house, where light switches might be both up and down for 'on' where tiles are never centered on walls, where design choices are made so glaringly cack handed, its like an itch in my head !! 

I like quality things.. Quality home audio, quality engineering, cars, construction, etc etc.. As stated by the OP cheap crap is, well, cheap.. Good quality (what is called luxury I guess) is so much higher priced it takes away any saving from some cheap plates of rice. 

I have to really focus on the positives, climate, gardens, pool, etc etc and try to just ignore the annoyances, but its not easy. I do find spending part of my year back in the west, makes for a more satisfying combination of both. 

In our "high end" condo there are 4 condos per floor (small building), 50% of these have simply 180 degree inverted/mirrored electricy switches depending on which site of the building you are - but obviously doors always hang on the same side. 

You have to open a door, go around the door and switch on the light, it was so annoying we changed condos within the building. It's just hilarious .... the small things that make you facepalm all day.

[RLAretired]

21 minutes ago, Dexlowe said:

Camel Active shirts - Hush Puppy shoes

 

Are you buying in Thailand, or bringing in from abroad?  If in Thailand, what stores, please.

 

 

For myself, I've learned (the hard way, of course) to try on all clothes and shoes here, otherwise waste of money for sure.

 

 

[RLAretired]

5 minutes ago, ThomasThBKK said:

In our "high end" condo ... whinge

 

Please, @ThomasThBKK, this is NOT a winge/complain thread.  Countless complaints everywhere on Thai Visa.  Here I'm hoping to tease out positive methods, sources, brands, or any other ideas that are solutions to the problem.

[Airalee]

Quality can be had, but at a high price.

 

For clothing, it’s best to buy at home.  The Ralph Lauren store in Central World is 4x the price for the same item on sale (it’s usually on sale) back home.

 

Furniture is a tough one.  A quality sofa will cost you ฿80,000+. Anything under ฿30-40,000 is disposable as it will only last about 2-3 years until the support is gone (this includes Ikea IMHO)

 

Electronics...gotta buy brand name.  For audio gear, there are deals to be had but you have to hunt for them.  Some of the second hand shops are great.

[RLAretired]

Just now, Airalee said:

Some of the second hand shops are great.

 

Specifically which shops?   Where?

[Airalee]

2 minutes ago, RLAretired said:

 

Specifically which shops?   Where?

HiFi99 is good.  Can’t remember the name of the Mall but if you message the owner he will let you know.  You have to speak Thai.

 

https://www.facebook.com/ร้าน-Hi-Fi-99-ผู้ให้ความบันเทิง-833497156737614/?__tn__=%2Cd%2CP-R&eid=ARCLDbz21j5toX_uDSWnBtUFHQlhFwjJ-eXPweViUcgX6ug_BvhZvrdkrkcKtryDnROQ98CbGMjpDztK

 

High End Gallery at the 9 center has some good promotions...

 

http://www.audio-force.com/HIGH_Und_END_Und_GALLERY_Und_สาขา_Und_เดอะไนน์_Und_พระราม9/589ae2924d6335000116442a

 

There are also a ton of audio stores in Fortune Town.

[RLAretired]

2 minutes ago, Airalee said:

HiFi99 is good.  Can’t remember the name of the Mall

 

... Hmmm.

 

 

2 minutes ago, Airalee said:

High End Gallery at the 9 center has some good promotions...

There are also a ton of audio stores in Fortune Town.

 

... Promotions everywhere, but where is good quality?

Ton of stores, sure, but which, exactly, offer dependable products, parts and service.

 

... Not so easy, I know.

[kokesaat]

My lessons over 23 years:

cheap power lawnmower (18,000) vs real deal commercial quality honda mower (28,000)

All my TVs......sony, lg, toshiba, samsung have been money well-spent

Made-in-US Whirlpool top load washer on sale at Robinsons for 22,000 (from 28,000).  10 years and going strong

12" latex mattress topper from latexinnovations.com (pricey but the best!)

Honda 4 stroke weedeater (8,500) vs cheaper 2 stroke

Toyota Tiger, Toyota Vigo, another Vigo, now a Revo.......all as good as anything I could buy in the US for the money....the REVO is exceptional

Hitachi fans, fridges, house pumps

Bluescope steel roofing

AllZ polo shirts

 

 

 

 

[wgdanson]

1 hour ago, RLAretired said:

For small, electronic items, such as a USP hub or printer cables

How many USB hubs or printer cables do you buy per year?

[Airalee]

2 minutes ago, RLAretired said:

 

... Hmmm.

 

 

 

... Promotions everywhere, but where is good quality?

Ton of stores, sure, but which, exactly, offer dependable products, parts and service.

 

... Not so easy, I know.

Good quality is at the stores I linked to.  It’s not cheap though.

[Puchaiyank]

Honestly, I have never expected quality goods or services in Thailand...been coming here since late 1960s and have not been disappointed.  Found unexpected quality in Honda cars and motorcycles and the services provided by the country's ladies...

 

I come here looking for a quality "3rd world" experience...Thailand does not disappoint!   ????

[RLAretired]

2 minutes ago, wgdanson said:

How many USB hubs or printer cables do you buy per year?

 

Cables: lots every year, because quality I can find is so poor.

Do you have any good sources here???

 

 

[recom273]

47 minutes ago, Tayaout said:

Lazada is ok if you buy branded stuff or search for review on google.

 

It also help sometimes to tick the "local" filter so it keeps only stuff sold in thai store. You get your stuff faster and it remove all the spammy and misleading Chinese junk.

 

You need to know what you are looking for or sort by the highest priced item then search the same thing at a cheaper price. 

 

For example I buy Bosh, Makita and Dewalt tools on lazada. Total seems pretty good also for tools. 

 

I buy Opinel and Victorinox knifes, Zippo lighter, etc. 

 

I also buy food in bulk like extra virgin and coconut oil, flour, etc. 

 

 

Just a casual observation, are all brand names that you have bought, the same thing quality that you get in the states or UK?

 

I have ordered some things, tools, electrical goods, they only seemed available in asia, on research they don’t seem to be available outside, which makes me think me think they are of lower quality, old designs, when you research some serial numbers they appear only in India and Thailand. 

 

Not complaining, I just think that it’s not always good to rely on big name brands.

[CGW]

Many years back, when I was furnishing a house, it was my intention to find some nice old "antique" type furniture, that search quickly came to abrupt halt when I found out there was nothing on the market, reason being they have never bought "quality" products here like we do "elsewhere"! the majority of the people have never had money - probably never will either = crap quality for just about everything.

[RLAretired]

1 minute ago, recom273 said:

I just think that it’s not always good to rely on big name brands.

What, please, is a better alternative???

[KC 71]

I find bamboo to be the best scaffolding,
It is more flexible !


Sent from my iPad using Thaivisa Connect

[upu2]

Sounds like, and I may be wrong, you want high quality at cheap price. If I am right you are not going to get it. There are plenty of places selling high quality goods but you have to be prepared to pay the price that goes with that