Thailand Creative & Design Center

Move over Scandinavian minimalism, this is the dawning of Thai style. The Thailand Creative & Design Center is a government-backed initiative intended to incubate design innovation, which is seen as Thailand’s next step in the global marketplace now that labour is no longer competitive. The centre acts as both showroom and shop for Thai design, and is a good place to buy quality (if more expensive) Thai products and souvenirs. Rotating exhibitions feature profiles of international products and retrospectives of regional handicrafts and creativity. The centre includes a permanent library of design-related books and materials and is a good place to meet young Thai designers and students; the adjoining cafe has free wi-fi and good views. The centre is on the top floor of the Emporium shopping mall but is difficult to find – follow signs to the food court, then go up to the cinema and it’s opposite the ticket booths.