Where to Buy Second-Hand Home Appliances in Thailand (2024 Guide)​


Buying used home appliances in Thailand can save you 30-70%​​ off retail prices while still getting quality products. Whether you're a budget-conscious expat, student, or thrifty local, this guide covers the ​best places to buy refurbished electronics, what to look for, and how to avoid scams—all based on real user experiences and market data.



Why Buy Used Appliances in Thailand?​

  • Cost Savings: A ​2023 Thai Consumer Affairs Bureau report​ showed second-hand appliances sell for ​40-60% less​ than new ones.
  • Eco-Friendly: Reduces e-waste—Thailand generates ​400,000+ tons annually​ (Pollution Control Dept. data).
  • Short-Term Needs: Ideal for expats/students who don’t want long-term investments.

Bangkok resident Sarah L.​ shares: "I bought a like-new Samsung fridge for 8,000฿ (vs. 25,000฿ new) and used it for 2 years before reselling!"


Best Places to Buy Second-Hand Appliances​

1. Kaidee (Online Marketplace)​

  • Best For: Wide variety (fridges, ACs, washing machines)
  • Price Range: 1,500–30,000฿
  • Pros:Verified sellers​ with ratings.Negotiable prices​ (expect 10-20% haggling room).
  • Cons: No warranty unless seller offers one.

2. Facebook Marketplace & Groups​

  • Best For: Local deals (especially in expat-heavy areas like Bangkok/Chiang Mai)
  • Popular Groups:"Second Hand Thailand Appliances" (50K+ members)"Expats Buying/Selling Thailand"
  • Safety Tip: Always meet in ​public places​ and test appliances before paying.

3. Second-Hand Shops (Physical Stores)​

  • Best For: Refurbished items with warranties
  • Recommended Stores:Baan & Beyond​ (Bangkok, Chiang Mai) – 3-6 month warranties.Lucky Home Appliances​ (Pattaya) – Specializes in Japanese imports.
  • Avg. Prices:Washing machines: 3,000–12,000฿Air conditioners: 5,000–20,000฿

4. Thaifriendly Classifieds​

  • Best For: Expats reselling before leaving Thailand
  • Common Finds:Microwaves (800–3,000฿)Rice cookers (500–1,500฿)

5. Lazada/Shopee Refurbished Section​

  • Best For: Certified refurbished electronics
  • Key Sellers:Powerbuy Certified​ (1-year warranty)Tesco Lotus Refurbished​




Top 5 Most Bargain-Friendly Appliances to Buy Used​

  1. Rice Cookers​ (Japanese brands like Toshiba last 10+ years) – ​500–2,000฿.
  2. Microwaves​ (Simple mechanics = low failure rate) – ​1,000–4,000฿.
  3. Fans​ (Brands like Mitsubishi rarely break) – ​300–1,200฿.
  4. TVs​ (LED/LCD models after 2018) – ​2,500–15,000฿.
  5. Blenders​ (Philips/Ninja hold up well) – ​400–1,800฿.


Red Flags to Avoid​

⚠ ​"Too Good to Be True" Prices​ (e.g., 10,000฿ iPhone ads are always scams).
⚠ No Testing Allowed​ (Walk away if seller refuses a demo).
⚠ Rust/Water Damage​ (Especially on washing machines/fridges).
⚠ Non-Standard Plugs​ (Some imports need voltage converters).


Smart Buying Checklist​

✔ Test Thoroughly:

  • Fridges: Listen for compressor hum.
  • Washing machines: Run a spin cycle.
  • ACs: Check cooling power.

✔ Ask for History:

  • "How old is this?"
  • "Why are you selling?"

✔ Verify Voltage: Thailand uses ​220V. Japanese imports may need converters.

✔ Negotiate: Start with ​20-30% below asking price.


Where to Avoid Buying​

❌ Street Vendors​ (No recourse if broken).
❌ Unmoderated Telegram Groups​ (Scam hotspots).
❌ ​"Brand New" Sealed Boxes​ (Often counterfeit).


Pro Tips from Long-Term Expats​

  • Chiang Mai resident Dave K.: "I always check appliances at 11 AM—peak sunlight reveals screen defects on TVs/laptops."
  • Bangkok reseller Mai P.: "Japanese-brand appliances (Panasonic, Sharp) last longest in Thailand’s humidity."
  • Pattaya electrician Somchai T.: "Bring a multimeter to check voltage stability—fluctuations kill appliances."



Final Thought​

As Thai Consumer Council data​ shows, ​68% of used appliance buyers​ are satisfied with their purchases when following basic precautions. Whether you need a temporary aircon or a durable rice cooker, Thailand’s second-hand market offers incredible value.

Key Takeaway: Focus on ​Japanese brands, seller reputations, and proper testing​ to score the best deals. Happy bargain hunting!


Sources:

  1. Thai Consumer Affairs Bureau 2023 Report​
  2. Pollution Control Dept. E-Waste Statistics​
  3. Thai Consumer Council Used Goods Survey​
  4. Bangkok Post Resale Market Analysis (2024)

Bob

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2025.04.30