There is a large Indian minority in Thailand. Merchanhts have spread out all over asia from Southern India and many have come to Thailand.

Phahurat Indian Market is the place to come to buy fabrics and to enjoy Indian cuisine. Phahurat Market is a small Indian community on the fringe of Chinatown. Most of the merchants are Indian Sikhs who are involved in the textile trade.

They have a unique way of greeting female shoppers, calling each one Khunying which is a Thai royal title similar to the English Lady. Their selection of fabrics is the best in Bangkok, particularly the Indian cottons and silk.

There are many vendors selling ready made goods including shoulder bags which are at unbelievable low prices. The Indian community in Thailand shops here for the essential wedding gowns and wedding souvenirs. In every nook and cranny there is someone doing business. This may be selling trinkets, tour packages to India, household items, spices and delicious Indian desserts.

Wander off the main streets and into the many alleyways, you could come across surprisingly good Indian food. The Thai Sikh community has a major temple, Siri Guru Singh Sabha close to the Phahurat area.

Phahurat is a market really worth exploring. Not only is it a cloth centre, but phahurat is also a spice centre. As you go round the market, you'll be aware of that spicy, Indian smell made up of incense, which you can buy here, and of course Indian curry. You can buy incense to lend your living room an exotic atmosphere; search the tiny side streets for spices and other Indian specialities, household goods and shoulder bags in Thai silk.