I'm looking to buy Thai Statues and Art to ship back home. Not small souvenir types.

Does anyone have a place or two to browse in Pattaya. I don't want to go to Beach Rd type shops. It's a nightmare hassling 6 different prices for same item all Antique (not). I'm exhausted after an hour.

Thanks

You might need an export permit depending on what sort of Buddha statue.

On Pattaya-Naklua Road, about 2 kilometers north of Dolphin Circle just before Soi Naklua 16 (right hand side when traveling north) there are a couple of stores with a large selection of statues in all sizes.

You might need an export permit depending on what sort of Buddha statue.

technically you need a permit to export (and import!) any Buddha statue.

It is not difficult to obtain an export license for a Buddha image (statue, carving, etc.); any shipping company can make the arrangements and the fee is not much. Technically, any Buddha image must have an inspection for export approval. And, the Ministry of Fine Arts will generally not approve the export of antique or rare Buddhas. Shipping companies are a good way to go: they pack, arrange to ship and do all the needed documentation for your shipment, and are generally inexpensive.

Look up "Luk-Dod Shop"; this is a very large shop, located in Soi Yumai about 800 meters before you get to North Pattaya Rd. They have a huge selection and they will also take care of shipping the items to anywhere in the world for you. BTW; this is the same place where most of the Beach Rd. type vendors actually purchase their stock.

A couple of important things you should know about Buddha Statues/Images (if you don't mind):

1. Always handle with respect & reverence

2. When placing in the home, make sure these statues/images face to the direction where the sun first rises.

3. Always ensure that these statues (when hung to a wall, or placed on a shelf) are ALWAYS higher than your own head, when in a standing position.

4. Before 'moving' or 'cleaning' such statues/Images, show your respect before touching them, by 'asking their permission' to do so.

Also; when you're back home - and make gifts of these items, make sure the recipient is also aware of these 'rules' and whenever encountering Buddha statues/images in your friends' homes.

There was a huge outrage, recently, when it became apparent that many "owners" of these types of statues overseas, had placed Buddha-Heads on floors etc. This is extremely insulting to Buddhists and only shows total ignorance by the offending individuals.

Last but not least; Buddhist do not believe that anyone can actually "own", or "buy" a Buddha statue or image; they believe than one can only just "rent' such a Statue or Image for an unspecified time, after which it will revert to someone else, for a while.

Hope this helps,

Yes, that distinction between "buy" and "rent" is doubly important when speaking Thai about Buddha images to the one who rents them to you and to any Thai you talk to about the cost of such rental.

Thanks all..a wandering I will go.