Where to get cheap electronics in Bangkok in 2024

Ryan TurnerPublished: 16:23, 24 September 2024| Updated: 16:23, 24 September 2024

2,490 5 minutes read

Where to get cheap electronics in Bangkok in 2024

Image: Freepik

Have you ever wondered why just a charging cable for your iPhone is costing you upwards of a thousand baht? Well, it’s because you are looking for cheap electronics in all the wrong places. In our digital age, there is certainly no escaping technology and electronics, and as certain technologies get pushed further into the mainstream, we see prices also skyrocketing.

But you don’t have to fall victim to the exorbitant prices of technology in retail shops or even online stores. Sometimes, finding cheap electronics is just a matter of knowing where to look, and we’ve gone out of our way to compile a list of where to get cheap electronics in Bangkok.

Fortune IT Mall

Located on Ratchadaphisek Road and easily accessible via the MRT at Rama 9 station, Fortune IT Mall is a popular destination for anyone in Bangkok looking for cheap electronics and IT products. It is no secret that its ease of access has elevated the mall into a top spot for locals and visitors alike.

Spanning four floors, the upper two floors of Fortune IT Mall are reserved exclusively for IT and electronics. Shoppers will find anything electronics, from digital cameras to laptops, printers, gaming consoles, and software licences. More cost-effective options here are mostly found through non-name brand products, and second-hand items, which often come at a significantly lower price than that of retail stores.

However, a key highlight of the mall is how they have managed to bridge the gap between tech enthusiasts and audiophiles with its high-end audio offerings. From headphones to vinyl records, all of your music needs can be met by taking a stroll around Fortune Town.

Unique electronics at Fortune Town:

High-end audio equipment
Vinyl records and musical instruments
Mobile phone and accessories
Used electronics

One key thing that we take for granted in our digital age is repairability. We can always buy products online, but what we can never do online is repair our electronics. Fortune Town and its extensive collection of shops and vendors offer countless options in terms of repairs, modifications, and spare electronics parts. For tech-savvy shoppers looking for more than just purchases, Fortune Town is a mall worth visiting.

MBK Centre

If you have been travelling around Bangkok in the past decade or two, you probably have seen a glimpse of MBK Centre while passing by on the BTS Skytrain. Located in the Pathum Wan district of Bangkok, MBK Centre is one of the city’s most iconic shopping destinations. But just as the mall offers food, clothing, and just about anything at an affordable price, their electronics offerings are also at a reasonable price.

The fourth floor of MBK Centre is the heart of its electronic section, popular among locals and tourists for its competitive prices, to such a degree whereas many consider the mall as Bangkok’s cheapest spot for mobile phones and other tech items. Here, shoppers are spoilt for choice. From brand-new electronics to second-hand devices at much lower prices, MBK Centre is a favourite among budget-conscious shoppers.

Unique electronics at MBK Centre:

Mobile phones
Smartphone accessories
Gadgets and accessories
Gaming consoles
Photography gear

Like many electronics malls in Bangkok, MBK is packed with independent vendors, all offering a wide range of electronics. Most vendors at the shopping centre are open to negotiations or haggling, which could even land you a much better deal on electronics, but always keep an eye out for the authenticity of the products that you are purchasing.

While there are always cheap options for electronics, it is important to keep in mind that sometimes cheaper does not always mean a better deal.

Pros		Cons
✅ Big selection of electronics ✅ Bargaining opportunities ✅ Convenient location ✅ Second-hand market		❌Potential for scams ❌Shady warranties ❌Can get crowded

Location: 444 M.B.K. Wangmai, Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330

Opening hours: Daily, 10am to 10pm

Zeer Rangsit

Although located just north of Bangkok in Pathum Thani, Zeer Rangsit is too good to ignore. Spanning over 250,000 square metres, this is one of Thailand’s largest shopping centres and has been a major destination for anyone looking for cheap electronics around the capital.

Each floor of Zeer Rangsit mall is filled with shops specialising in different areas of electronics. From cameras to used phones, laptops, desktops, or general household gadgets, the mall is a one-stop shop for any budget-conscious electronics shopper.

Unique electronics at Zeer Rangsit:

Home electronics
Computers and laptops
Mobile phones
Camera equipment
Gadgets

Similarly to MBK Center, an important aspect of Zeer Rangsit is its bargaining culture, which may very well come in handy when you are making larger purchases. Embedded within the nature of the mall is the presence of independent vendors, which gives you the freedom to compare prices and utilise the competition to your advantage by haggling prices.

In addition to shopping, the mall is also home to many electronic repair shops offering fixes or modifications for various devices, all at an affordable price.

Pros		Cons
✅ Many independent vendors ✅ Competitive pricing ✅ Can haggle ✅ Repair services		❌Potential language barrier ❌Can be crowded ❌Not exactly in Bangkok

Location: 99 Moo 8 Phahonyothin Rd, Khu Khot, Lam Luk Ka District, Pathum Thani 12130

Opening hours: Daily, 10.30am to 9pm

Phenix Pratunam (Pantip Plaza)

Once hailed as the ‘mother of all IT shops’ under the Pantip Plaza banner, the iconic IT mall has seen quite a drastic drop in visitors in recent years, but for anyone on the hunt for budget-friendly electronics in Bangkok, Phenix is still worth visiting. Located on New Petchaburi Road, Phenix Mall offers an extensive array of electronics, all at reasonable prices. Plus, you can always haggle.

Phenix stretches multiple floors and is home to hundreds of small retailers specialising in all things tech-related. The once-marquee IT mall is still home to a wide array of electronics, including computers, laptops, parts, peripherals, chargers, and even software licences. Malls like Phenix have a balance between retail chain stores and individual sellers, offering a diverse selection for all your electronic needs, new or used.

Unique electronics at Phenix Mall:

Custom-built computers
Refurbished electronics
Camera equipment
Gaming gear
DIY electronics kits

While the mall was once the overarching, must-visit location, renovations in 2018 alongside the Covid-19 pandemic have brought along some challenges for sellers. Higher rent prices, fewer shops, and an overall decrease in foot traffic have posed serious challenges for the mall. Although the shopping environment and prices may not be the same as they used to be, Phenix Mall remains is still worth a visit for anyone looking for affordable electronic stores in Bangkok.

Pros		Cons
✅ Wide selection of electronics ✅ Competitive prices ✅ Specialised shops ✅ Repair services		❌Quality concerns ❌Inconsistent shop hours ❌Declining foot traffic

Location: 604/3 Thanon Phetchaburi, Ratchathewi, Bangkok 10400

Opening hours: Daily, 10am to 10pm

Thaiger’s tips on bargaining

Don’t accept the first price: Vendors often expect customers to negotiate, and there’s usually room for a lower price.
Check other stalls: If a vendor is unwilling to negotiate, consider checking prices of similar products at other stalls, there might be a better deal waiting for you.
Start low: Begin your offer at 30 to 40% below the asking price, this gives you a buffer to negotiate upwards while still aiming for a fair deal.
Show disinterest: If vendors see that you are very interested in the product, they might be less inclined to lower the price.
Know where to bargain: You should only bargain with smaller stores or markets. Larger department stores often have a fixed price on their products.
Be respectful: In a sense, bargaining is part of the process of buying products from a market, but always try to be respectful.