"Paul's Antiques is one of the most enduring and respected antique shops in Bangkok."
Toma Clark Haines, The Antiques Diva®
Paul’s Antiques is a veritable cornucopia of precious objects and furniture from the region. Tucked in a quiet soi off bustling Sukhumvit, prepare yourself to be whisked back in time through an eclectic and unparalleled collection that includes Burmese colonial pieces, Thai teak furniture, rare textiles, collectibles and so much more. Angela Somwaiya, a Chicago native who has adopted Thailand as her home is the proprietress, and was raised shopping in flea markets and thrift stores in the US. She has always enjoyed the thrill of the hunt and now hunts her way through markets and vendors all over Southeast Asia to add to the ever-expanding collection.
Paul’s Antiques was founded in 1994 by Paul Vail, an American expat who settled in Thailand and fell in love with Burmese colonial teak furniture. Originally selling at exhibitions only, Angela and her husband were among Paul’s first customers. Paul went on to revamp a 100-year-old teak house, which served as the first home for his vast eponymous collection complete with an in-house workshop for restorations and repairs.
Paul's Antiques' founder in front of the 100 year old teak house that was its original location.
In 2008, Angela bought the business at the latest location in Sukhumvit Soi 13. She made her mark by expanding the collection to include pieces from all over Asia, such as lacquerware, statues, found-art, architectural salvage and hard-to-find collectibles. Holding a Bachelor's Degree in Japanese Studies and a Master's Degree in Thai Studies, Angela’s passion for the cultural relevance of each object shines through when you inquire about a piece.
Paul's Antiques' Owner, Angela Somwaiya, hunting treasures at Scott's Market, Yangon, Myanmar
Angela also grew the workshop to include custom orders and interior design projects. She will tell you that the heart of the team are her carpenters who are local and have been dedicated to Paul’s Antiques for years. Having the workshop located on-site allows customers to be fully involved in the creative process and witness the remarkable craftsmanship first-hand. Customers are invited to bring their furniture to be refinished in a signature, all-natural finish that accentuates the fine grain of the wood. Being environmentally conscious is a priority at Paul’s Antiques which is why there is an emphasis on up-cycling reclaimed teak for custom orders and restoring antique pieces.
Angela will tell you that the heart of the team are her carpenters who have been dedicated to Paul’s Antiques for years.
Other services offered at Paul's Antiques include consignment, furniture and prop rental and sourcing. This is the only place in Bangkok that offers this range of bespoke service.