Well... its the long term girlfriends birthday coming up and I think its time to get her a decent necklace (Thais seem to love gold...).

I want to buy it for her as a surprise but want to get it from a shop that is reputable and doesn't rip of farangs when they are by themselves buying jewellery. I'm not sure if any of these would allow an exchange if it isn't suitable or she would prefer something else?

Any suggestions would be great! (No I don't want to get in a tuk tuk and let them take me to their friends shop!).

Thanks for your help.

Get a taxi or tuk tuk to Thanon Yaowarat in Chinatown. Go into one of the many gold shops there. If you see something you like, buy it.

When I say get a tuk tuk, I DON'T mean a scammer! ;-(

Chinatown offers the least markup on the daily gold price when selling jewellery.

Expect to pay cash, as those shops which accept Visa/MasterCard may well charge 3% extra for the privilege.

Hope you find something that melts her heart :-)

Edit, spelling

I'm not sure if any of these would allow an exchange if it isn't suitable or she would prefer something else?

This is why Thais like gold. It can be exchanged for cash in any goldshop.

whatever the gold price is at on the day is what you pay simple.it is easy to check just read the bangkok post, and they will post the price on they shop window too