BIG & BIH 2008

BIG & BIH fair is one of the absolute highlights on my Thai calendar (Bangkok International Gift Fair and Bangkok International Houseware Fair). I’ve no memory of how I discovered it, but I’ve only missed one since I’ve been here. It’s a huge expedition, held in April and October, showcasing Thai crafts and gifts for overseas buyers but for two days at the end it’s open to the public.

It is SERIOUS SHOPPING, not for the faint of heart. The first year I went, I must have been so marked out as an amateur … I took my handbag. Now, I take a shopping bag… on wheels. Oh you can laugh at the ‘old lady’ with her shopping trolley, but I’ll be laughing at the end of the day.

The exhibition area covers 46,000 sq m. There 750 companies in 1,900 booths and I HAVE TO SEE EVERYTHING. There appeared to be no recession on in Bangkok last Saturday and Sunday. There were four ATMs; two had run out of money and the other two had queues of 12 or more people. Based on last year’s figures, the organisers expected 103,000 visitors.

I don’t think I’ve ever seen the lot until this year. I think I’ve covered maybe half but I was determined this year to finish. I paced myself really well: regular pit stops, lots of water, and I finished about an hour from the end. Quite a few Christmas presents bought.

I told you it was serious shopping, so for those who’ve shopped seriously, there’s Thai massage: yes really.















I apologise for the quality of this picture, but how I wished I could’ve been wheeled out in a basket.