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Hans Lamers has always had a passion for Asia and for furniture.
So, three and a half years ago he decided to combine the two and
acquired Thai Style Antique and Decor Co., Ltd., a company as
fascinating as it is unique.
The to the premises he entranon Thepkrasattri Road is flanked by
large wooden statues of Red Indians, so lifelike that they are a
little startling. Even larger statues adorn the foyer as you peer
into the dark interior.
Once inside, the view is spectacular: golden Buddhas, wooden elephants,
antique chests, brass weights, baskets, wall hangings and much,
much more. As you wander through the huge showroom, attentive but
discreet staff are never far away.
 Although
the main showroom is impressive, through the back door are three
others, making the total display area a staggering 2,500 square
metres: reputedly the largest in Thailand. Most exciting for Hans,
his Thai wife Noi, and his staff has been the recent arrival of
four containers of Chinese cabinets and other artifacts from Beijing.
They have been painstakingly restored, when necessary, by Chinese
craftsmen familiar with the style and wood of each piece. Some 500
pieces of Chinese furniture arrived and what remains unsold is now
on display in the rear showrooms.
The furniture ranges from antique medicine chests (still with the
smell of Chinese herbs lingering) through inlaid cabinets, to baby
cots, baths, tables and ornately carved beds once used by only the
richest merchants or royalty (intricate carving was a sign of wealth).
Hans is very knowledgeable about the pieces, having been in the
business for over ten years and can date each one, plus tell you
an interesting anecdote about its past uses. Who would have known
that the brass handles on dividable Japanese units were to allow
easy escape in case of a fire, or that the less wealthy only used
hardwoods (teak, elm, mahogany etc.) for the front of their furniture
and cheaper pine wood for the sides and back!
In addition to the new Chinese arrivals, there is also furniture
from India, Nepal, Korea, Japan and Tibet. The Tibetan furniture
is alive with the vibrant colours of Buddhism, even after such a
long time.
To help the transformation of you home, there are also smaller
objects such as chairs, baskets, water carriers, wedding boxes,
suitcases, lamps, food carriers and statues. All can be dated by
Hans and all have a story to tell.
 Thai
Style is now offering a 50 percent discount on displayed prices
to enable renovation of the premises this includes the precious
Chinese cabinets. If transport to another country is needed, there
is no problem. Hans ships much of his furniture safely and reasonably
abroad (some people even come from China, Hong Kong and Korea to
take advantage of his prices). You'd better hurry though: things
are going fast!
Thai Style: 25/7 Thepkrasattri Road (the "Airport Road"),
Khokaew, 3 Phuket, 83000. Tel: (66 76) 215 980 or 238 960. Fax:
(66 76) 238 898. E-Mail:
antique@loxinfo.co.th
Thai Style is situated around eight kilometres north of Phuket Town,
on the eastern section of the road (the incoming side from the airport).
If travelling toward the airport, it is on your right-hand side,
but you have to pass by and double back.
more about Thai style
antiques
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