Souvenirs from Thailand for Colleagues: Easy Office Gift Ideas (From a Chatuchak Shop)

Every trip to Thailand ends with the same question: what do I bring back for the office? You want something that feels Thai, fits in a suitcase, costs little per person, and that colleagues will actually use instead of leaving in a drawer. We have run a scarf and souvenir shop at Chatuchak Weekend Market for more than 10 years, and buying gifts for coworkers is one of the most common reasons travelers stop at our stalls. Here is what we have learned about choosing souvenirs from Thailand for colleagues.

What Makes a Good Souvenir for Colleagues?

Office gifts are different from gifts for close family. In our experience, the best ones share a few traits:

• Affordable in bulk. If you have 10, 20 or 30 coworkers, a low price per piece matters more than anything else.

• Light and flat. Your luggage allowance is limited, and fragile or heavy items are a risk.

• Not food. Snacks are popular, but some colleagues have dietary restrictions, and some countries have rules about bringing food in. A non-food gift avoids those issues.

• Neutral and useful. Something anyone can use, regardless of age, gender or taste, works better than a very personal item.

• Easy to share fairly. Giving everyone a similar item avoids awkward comparisons.

Why Scarves Work So Well as Office Gifts

We are a scarf shop, so of course we are biased, but scarves tick most of the boxes above. A folded cotton scarf weighs very little and packs flat, so 20 of them take up about as much room as a sweater. They are useful in air-conditioned offices, on cold commutes, or as a bag accessory. And because there are many designs, each colleague can pick a different pattern while everyone still gets a gift of the same value.

Our scarves are cotton or polyester, not silk, which keeps them affordable and easy to wash. If a colleague is unsure how to wear one, our guide How to Tie a Scarf: 8 Easy Ways is a simple link to share with them.

Our Prices for Buying Several Gifts at Once

These are the items travelers most often buy for coworkers in our shop:

• Cotton scarves: 100 THB each, and if you buy 10 you get 1 free. This is the most popular choice for office gifts.

• Hair scarves: 60 THB each or 2 for 100 THB. A good small gift for colleagues who like accessories.

• Large shawls (130 x 130 cm): 200 THB each or 3 for 550 THB. Better for a manager, a team lead or someone you want to thank in particular.

If your company or team needs a larger quantity, for example for an event or year-end gifts, we sell wholesale from 30 pieces and you can mix any designs. You can browse designs in our online shop before you visit.

Tips for Buying Coworker Souvenirs in Bangkok

• Count before you shop. Make a quick list of everyone you want to give something to, plus two or three spares for people you forgot.

• Mix one main gift with a few special ones. Many customers buy a batch of cotton scarves for the whole team and one large shawl for their boss.

• Pick a range of colors. Neutral tones and classic prints suit most people, and a few brighter pieces give colleagues a choice.

• Keep the bag flat. Ask us to fold the scarves neatly so they stack easily in your suitcase.

• Leave time for your purchase. Chatuchak is very large and gets crowded, especially in the afternoon, so it helps to know where you are going before you arrive.

For more ideas beyond scarves, see our post What to Buy in Bangkok: Souvenir Ideas Under 300 THB.

Where to Find Us at Chatuchak

We have two locations inside Chatuchak Weekend Market:

• Section 6: Soi 59/2 Room 043–044 and Soi 59/3 Room 071, near Gate 18. Open Friday to Sunday, 9:00–20:00.

• Section 13: Soi 11/1 Room 013–015. Open Tuesday to Thursday 9:00–17:00, and Friday to Sunday 9:00–18:00. This location also handles wholesale orders.

Our English guide Where to Find Bangkok Souvenirs at Chatuchak Market shows how to reach both shops. If you can only come on a weekday, the Section 13 shop is the one to visit.

Not in Bangkok yet, or want to prepare a large order ahead? Message us on LINE (gib-atale) with the quantity and colors you have in mind. We also ship nationwide within Thailand, which is useful if you are staying at a hotel in another city. You can see new designs on Instagram @scarfstory_bkksouvenirs and TikTok @bkk.souvenirs.

FAQ: Souvenirs from Thailand for Colleagues

What is a good cheap souvenir from Thailand for coworkers?

A cotton scarf is a practical choice. In our shop they cost 100 THB each, with 1 free for every 10 you buy, and they are light enough to pack many at once.

Can I mix different designs when buying in quantity?

Yes. Both for retail buys and for wholesale orders from 30 pieces, you can mix any designs.

Are your scarves silk?

No. Our scarves are cotton or polyester, which keeps them affordable and easy to care for.

Can I order before I arrive in Bangkok?

Yes. Contact us on LINE (gib-atale) to discuss designs and quantities, and we can ship within Thailand.

Which day is best to visit?

Our Section 6 shop opens Friday to Sunday. Our Section 13 shop also opens Tuesday to Thursday, so it is the better option if you are visiting on a weekday.