Pattaya’s unique shopping scene: Back in time again

by Lesley Warner

I found a great little shop the other day called ‘Artica’. It is full of wonderful artifacts from Thailand, Burma, Indonesia and the other countries of Asia; ideal if you would like to recreate a traditional interior of Eastern elegance to your Western style home. There are some beautiful original antiques and some amazing reproductions.

The shop is having a closing down sale until the end of the month and everything apart from antiques is 50% off, a great savings and what a chance to be able to collect some of these extraordinary items at crazy prices. There are some wonderful things for the home and plenty of ideas for gifts with the season of ‘good will’ coming closer.

For example, there are some very interesting lamps of all shapes and sizes, cabinets from plain to exotic, sculptures, furniture and art of all styles.

When I asked the owners where they get such wonderful collectables they said from places like China, India, Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, Burma and Laos, as well as Thailand. They told me that their own Thai artists recreate some of the ancient art of times gone by. They have beautiful reproductions of Buddhist paintings, from temples and pagodas, that look identical to the originals that are not for sale.

When I asked, “Why do you want to stop dealing with these beautiful things?” They replied, “We have done it for many years and now we have a new idea that we want to pursue.”

Remember, the sale is only for this month. Look for Artica on Thappraya Road on the left before you reach Jomtien Beach (just after the Thepprasit cross road). Tel. (038) 251 618.