There are a number of small Thai DIY shops around the city that are ideal if you are looking for something simple or straightforward but if you are looking for something more specialist, then you really need to go to one of the bigger stores. All of the major players now stock high-quality, often imported, tools and supplies meaning that you can make quality repairs or improvements to your home.
If you work in the building industry either in Thailand or abroad, there is a good chance that you will know exactly what is required to complete the task that you are doing. Taking photos with you can make translation a lot easier in many instances.
Thai Watsuda
Of the four major players that we find in Pattaya, Thai Watsuda is arguably the best stocked and caters most for western tastes. The products are competitively priced and the store is well set out so finding what you need is pretty straightforward. Almost everything that you would find at a DIY store at home can be found here. The only downside with Thai Watsuda is that the website is in Thai and the levels of English that is spoken in store vary a great deal which can complicate things.
Home Pro
There are a couple of Home Pro outlets in Pattaya. One at Big C Extra on Pattaya Klang and another in South Pattaya. The stores are both well stocked and again you will find what you are looking for. However, you may find that some items are not where you would expect them to be which can be frustrating to say the least. Once again, the prices are very reasonable and Home Pro do have an English website that can make explaining what you require easier. The staff in store again vary with their English skills.
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Boonthavorn
The third of the larger DIY stores, Boonthavorn can be found on the Sukhumvit Road. This store has an excellent selection of bathroom and kitchen equipment for those looking to update or install a new kitchen or bathroom. The prices are fair, the store is well laid out and generally the staff are helpful and will try to find someone who speaks English if they are struggling. The website is also available in English which naturally makes browsing for items a lot easier. It is always a good idea to look at the promotions that they have as you can pick up some real bargains!
Pornchai
Although the Pornchai store, located next to the bus station in North Pattaya, may not be on the same scale as the other three, it is a great place to pick up tools that are more obscure and specialised. The staff are very knowledgeable and obviously have a keen interest in DIY so will know exactly what you are looking for and what you require. They are also more than happy to order products for you should they not have them in stock.
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