Jingjok
Real, fake and the warranty that counts
kǎawng táae
Markets and some online shops sell ของก๊อป 'copies' of designer goods openly, often labelled grade A. Buying for yourself is common, but selling counterfeits is illegal and customs officers can seize fakes. For electronics, the difference matters more: a phone or appliance from an official store (ร้านทางการ) or authorised dealer comes with รับประกันศูนย์, a manufacturer's warranty honoured at any ศูนย์บริการ 'service centre' in Thailand. Cheaper grey imports may have only a shop warranty, or none. Ask before paying: รับประกันศูนย์ไหม 'does it have the official warranty?' and รับประกันกี่ปี. Keep the box, receipt and warranty card together.
Try this today
Next time you buy electronics, ask รับประกันศูนย์ไหม.
The words that carry it
- ทางการofficial
- แท้genuine, authentic
- ปลอมfake, counterfeit
- ก๊อปcopy, knock-off
- รับประกันto guarantee; warranty
- ศูนย์บริการservice centre
Learn this in “Shopping online and malls” →
Your first 90 days of Thai
Culture cards in Jingjok are tied to the words that carry them, each ending in one thing to try today.
- WEEKS 1–2 · SURVIVEGreet anyone, pay, and order food and 7-Eleven exactly how you like it.
- WEEKS 3–6 · SETTLE INGet around by taxi, Grab and skytrain, find anything, and handle your landlord.
- WEEKS 7–12 · RUN YOUR LIFEPharmacy, bank, SIM and apps, how you feel, and a weekend away, all in Thai.
The first week is free.