Where to Buy Authentic DVDs in Bangkok, Thailand: They're Not All Fakes

Most people in Thailand buy fake or bootleg DVDs and not the real thing. Authentic DVDs are expensive, especially compared to average Thai salaries, so there are less stores that sell them. However, in the last few years more stores selling authentic DVDs and VCDs (both Thai and western) are popping up all over Bangkok. If you're in Bangkok and want to make sure the DVDs or VCDs you buy are genuine, then check out these stores and you'll have no problems.

Paragon Department Store, Siam Paragon Mall - One store that has a decent selection of authentic DVDs and VCDs is Paragon Department Store in Siam Paragon Mall. The store is right inside the department store, at the entrance next to Kinokuniya Books, and has a good selection of Hollywood, Australian, British, Korean, Japanese and Thai movies. They also have an excellent selection of Korean soap opera TV series, which are extremely popular in Asia. Plus, if you're looking for very inexpensive DVDs, they often sell older releases at only 99 baht (just under $3), and they're still the genuine thing. Paragon Department Store is next to Siam sky train station in Bangkok.

B2S Stores - Mostly located in Central Department Stores in Bangkok, the B2S chain sells authentic DVDs too. With a good selection of Thai and other Asian movies, and with only a small sprinkling of western movies, they're not the best place for the latest Hollywood blockbuster but, at a pinch, they'll do. They do sell some American TV series on DVD too, with prices around average for Bangkok. B2S stores are at Central World Plaza, Central Chidlom and Central Ladprao malls, to name a few places.

Central World Plaza - Central World Plaza is now the largest mall in south east Asia with a fair few independent stores selling genuine DVDs. B2S has a large branch here, and there are also several stores that specialize in imported DVDs. These are, unfortunately, expensive at around 400-700 baht ($11.50-$22), but if you're looking for a particular movie, they may well have it. Central World Plaza is near Chidlom sky train station.

Mangpong - A Thai DVD and CD company that has shops all over Bangkok (I don't think I've seen a mall in Bangkok without one?). Mangpong is the main store in Thailand to buy genuine DVDs, with a huge selection of American, British, Japanese, Korean, Chinese and Thai movies as well as TV series and documentaries. Prices are good with the average authentic DVD being around 200 baht (about $5.50), and some as low as 89 baht (less than $3) for older releases. Mangpong stores are in Siam Paragon, Central World Plaza, Central Ladprao, MBK and many other Bangkok malls and shopping centers.

Don't forget, DVDs in Thailand are region 3 but most of them seem to work in most DVD players in the US and Europe. Also, make sure when you buy an authentic movie on DVD in Thailand, that it has English soundtrack and subtitles. Some of the releases do not and you don't want to get it home and realize you won't be able to understand it because it's Thai soundtrack and Thai subtitles.