Can 2Bangkok.com recommend a good gem shop?
There are reputable shops in town, but we have found that even those approved by the Thai Gem and Jewelry Traders Association will scam. The main indicator of a good gem shop is its location. The shops in and around the downtown Ratanakosin area (where the Grand Palace and other historical monuments are) should be avoided. Shops in the Silom/Sathorn gem district are known to be honest. However around the Subway Skytrain junction at the Silom Station friendly touts work under the protection of the nearby corrupt Lumpini Police Box to steer tourists to scam shops downtown.
