Why are electronic items so expensive in Thailand?

[margaretcarnes]

[quote="Big Boy"][quote="buksida"]Still doesn't explain why a camera made in Thailand costs more here than in a store in the UK
I can't disagree that specific items might be more expensive. However, my point was generally the likes of eBay will generally knock spots off retail outlets. I don't remember an electronic item that I bought (excluding my laptop, which was heavily discounted anyway) in my last 5 years in the UK that didn't come from eBay or Amazon.

To be honest as far as a lot of people in the UK are concerned, E Bay is finished. Amazon however is excellent IMO, and yes for any reasonably small electricals it is always my first port of call.
But it must be remembered that Amazon is simply a huge clearing house kind of operation. It's like a price comparison website. It directs you to it's suppliers who have the item in stock, and than acts as the go between when you buy.

[buksida]

Sorry, I was reading what you had said in the 2nd quote. In the OP you never actually quoted your source. I was using the information available.

eBay is even cheaper than the retailers as you have said, the prices I used came direct from the manufacturers, Apple, Google, Samsung etc ...

Unlike HiSo Thais who actually want to be seen paying out cash regardless.

That looks to be the case and the government who control the prices of these things by taxing them know it. Its a shame they treat their population with such contempt that everyday items in the rest of the world such as cameras, phones and computers are still treated as luxuries here.

The biggest joke is Nikon which has a huge plant in Thailand making high end cameras and selling them in the same country for more than most other countries they're exported to - with the possible exception of Antarctica ...

[margaretcarnes]

OK Buksi so this sounds like a little business opportunity. You get together a list of expat customers who want specific items. I'll get them cheaper in the UK and fetch them over. Any chance I could make enough commission to pay the air fare?
The answer is - highly unlikely. And that's where the Thai government has got you stuffed.

[Pleng]

That looks to be the case and the government who control the prices of these things by taxing them know it. Its a shame they treat their population with such contempt that everyday items in the rest of the world such as cameras, phones and computers are still treated as luxuries here.

...they are luxuries!!! Just because most people in 'the rest of the world' now have them, does not make them any more necessary for survival!

[buksida]

Most of the people in Thailand have them also - its just they've paid a lot more than everyone else.

Try asking an Asian if they could survive without their mobile phone ...

[J.J.B.]

Buksi, slightly linked with your point ref cameras, and especially Nikon since they are made here, isn't there a healthy supply of 'excess stock' that the factory 'didn't want' that one could tap into? I am longing for a D800 at some point to match my full-frame Nikon glass and was excited to see that the bodies are all made in Thailand. The prices, however, are ridiculous compared with elsewhere in the world.

I'm not fussed about a warranty or even having to buff out a few scratches from where it fell off the back of the lorry, have you not come across this in your extensive travels..?

[buksida]

Would also love one but am not willing to pay the Thai price of 110,000 baht for it!

I guess the way you suggest would only be achievable by knowing one of the factory managers.

[Pleng]

Most of the people in Thailand have them also - its just they've paid a lot more than everyone else.

Try asking an Asian if they could survive without their mobile phone ...

Aside from mobile phones, I think it'd be more accurate to say that most of the families (the three+ generations sharing the same house...) in Thailand have them as well. The people you see walking the floors of MArket Village aren't a big representation of the population of the country - that's just the wealthy or weathy 'enough' xx%.


Do you not have anybody in England who could buy these items on your behalf and post out to you?

[STEVE G]

The biggest joke is Nikon which has a huge plant in Thailand making high end cameras and selling them in the same country for more than most other countries they're exported to - with the possible exception of Antarctica ...

Strange things happen in today's world of commerce, I used to live in Surabaya, Indonesia where a large quantity of the worlds trainers were made. I knew Westerners working for companies like Nike and they were having trainers made for a few dollars a pair, packed by the thousand in shipping containers and then sent to America where they were wrapped in tissue paper and put into expensive looking boxes and some of them were then re-exported back to Indonesia and sold in swanky shopping malls for a hundred dollars a pair to HiSo type Indonesians and Westerners!

[Homer]

I thought there were two reasons foreign companies located factories in Thailand. The first was a labor force attractively priced for their capabilities. The other was the products could be sold in thailand without paying duty. Google tells me Canon and Sony also make DSLRs here, so why hasn't competition driven the prices down?

It occurs to me there is a third reason to build a factory here - the reorganization possibilities which accompany flood damage.

[m_right]

I thought there were two reasons foreign companies located factories in Thailand. The first was a labor force attractively priced for their capabilities. The other was the products could be sold in thailand without paying duty. Google tells me Canon and Sony also make DSLRs here, so why hasn't competition driven the prices down?

It occurs to me there is a third reason to build a factory here - the reorganization possibilities which accompany flood damage.

Not so sure about your second reason. I have seen many items that were made in Thailand and then shipped to main company outside Thailand. Then shipped to stores in Thailand. Duty paid even though made in Thailand.

Capitalism isn't always efficient.

[BaaBaa.]

Toys"R"Us is a good example, made in China but double or more in Thailand than it is in England.

TVs, washing machines and stuff are well priced in Thailand, as said it's the luxury stuff that's crazy.

Brands sell in Thailand, i-mobile are knocking out some fantastic Android phones at great prices but a Samsung at double the price and half the stats will seem more attractive.

[PeteC]

It's well worth the time to research prices in Singapore and Hong Kong. The travel costs should be recouped easily if in the market for a few cameras, laptop, phone(s), shaver, etc. All of which can be carried back in as existing personal property without any scrutiny by Customs IMO.

How about Malaysia? I don't recall anyone talking about cost experiences there. Pete

[J.J.B.]

TVs, washing machines and stuff are well priced in Thailand, as said it's the luxury stuff that's crazy.

This is a great point, I've never seen TVs more affordable than they are here, likewise our washing machine (while pretty crap) was not too much money. We didn't buy a dishwasher, however, because they started at around £700 for a basic model - surprisingly expensive!

[Dannie Boy]

TVs, washing machines and stuff are well priced in Thailand, as said it's the luxury stuff that's crazy.

This is a great point, I've never seen TVs more affordable than they are here, likewise our washing machine (while pretty crap) was not too much money. We didn't buy a dishwasher, however, because they started at around £700 for a basic model - surprisingly expensive!

Most Thais have a dishwasher - normally the wife!!