Pratunam, in the Ratchathewi district, is Bangkok's big wholesale clothing quarter. Around the junction of Phetchaburi Road and Ratchaprarop Road, tens of thousands of garments are stacked in the lanes of the Pratunam market and in the neighbouring malls, among them the Platinum Fashion Mall (Phetchaburi Road), which opened in 2000. This multi-storey mall holds, according to its own signage, some 2,500 clothing and accessory shops, with a food court at the top. You can buy single pieces or at wholesale price from just a few items: the principle is simple, but you need to know how to bargain.
Highlights
The Platinum floors
The mall is organised in zones named after foreign districts (Ginza, Soho, Oxford, Camden, Orchard…). The stalls are small and packed together, mostly women's fashion but also menswear, children's clothes and accessories. A map is displayed at the entrance; the shops on each level look alike, so compare before you buy.
The two-price system, retail and wholesale
Most stalls show two prices: a price per item and a wholesale price, given from about three pieces (of the same style, or mixed, depending on the stall). The wholesale discount is often around 20 to 40% depending on the seller: ask "how much for three?" before you choose.
The market and the neighbouring malls
Around the Platinum, the Pratunam street market, Indra Square, Pratunam Center and Water Gate extend the walk, with fabrics, shoes and souvenirs. At night the lanes fill with food stalls.
The food court
On the top level, the food court serves simple Thai dishes at moderate prices: a handy break between rounds of shopping.
Infos pratiques
Tips
Opening hours quoted differ from one source to another (roughly 9:00 to 20:00 on weekdays, a little earlier at weekends) and each stall opens at its own pace: arrive in late morning or early afternoon, then come back later if you hesitate. Pay in cash to bargain more easily; check size and condition before paying, as trying on is sometimes limited and returns are rarely accepted. Look at several stalls before choosing: the same styles turn up everywhere at different prices. Keep an eye on your pockets in the crowded lanes. For broader shopping advice (souvenirs, tax refund), also read our guide to Pratunam and Ratchathewi.
How to get there
Phetchaburi Road, Pratunam, Ratchathewi, Bangkok 10400. From Chit Lom BTS station, allow about fifteen minutes on foot along Ratchadamri Road then Phetchaburi Road; taxis stop here easily. The Saen Saep canal boat drops you at the foot of the district, at Pratunam pier: see our guide to the Saen Saep canal boat.
Opening hours
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