The main theme of Thai antiques is to honour the country’s religion of Buddhism. The preservation of primitive religious expression in the arts has made the antiques of Thailand world-renowned. When purchasing antiques it is import to seek out a good dealer, whose goods are quality products and authentic. Exporting of Thai antiques is strict and items leaving the country must have a proof certificate from the Fine Arts Department – excluding items containing Buddha images, which cannot be exported without proper permission.

        Sculptures are made from a variety of materials, such as copper, bronze, brass, porcelain, glass, wood and clay. There are some shops located in town selling a limited selection of antiques, though Baan Tawai is definitely the prime centre for antiques. Here you can find extravagant collections from controlled finds, or illegally brought over from Laos and Burma. Prices in Baan Tawai are rarely marked up and can be found at half price in comparison to those sold in Bangkok or further south.

        In addition these dealers do a brisk trade in reproductions which have a fraction of the value (and price) but look authentic and are proving popular with shoppers looking for that antique feel but without deep pockets. In this respect there are plenty of delightful Buddhist art pieces affordable to all.