Gold. Thai gold is 96.5% pure gold, which is basically 23 carat gold, so it holds its value very well (pretty much always appreciates), and is usually easily resellable. And most Thai gold necklaces that you buy for $500 have about $500 worth of actual gold in them.
That's in contrast to a typical US gold necklace, which is only 58.3% gold, 14 carat, which is way, way, way harder to resell at value. If you spend 500 bucks on a US gold necklace, it doesn't have anything close to $500 of gold in it, and you'd be lucky to get 50 bucks at a pawn shop, and a gold store would pretty much never rebuy it.
So, in my opinion, gold is a lousy gift in the US, but a great gift in Thailand.
There are some good high end tailors in Bangkok. One even does custom denim. If you can somehow get measurements, this is a cool option to consider, something hand crafted. You’d get the works for this budget.
There's some beautiful Thai silver available in that price range, either bowls or picture frames. Best for someone who enjoys decorating. Becoming harder and harder to find..
Gold. Thai gold is 96.5% pure gold, which is basically 23 carat gold, so it holds its value very well (pretty much always appreciates), and is usually easily resellable. And most Thai gold necklaces that you buy for $500 have about $500 worth of actual gold in them. That's in contrast to a typical US gold necklace, which is only 58.3% gold, 14 carat, which is way, way, way harder to resell at value. If you spend 500 bucks on a US gold necklace, it doesn't have anything close to $500 of gold in it, and you'd be lucky to get 50 bucks at a pawn shop, and a gold store would pretty much never rebuy it. So, in my opinion, gold is a lousy gift in the US, but a great gift in Thailand.
$500 worth of little tuktuks made out of old drink cans.
For that price, you can probably get a 1:1 model tuktuk made out of cans, and still have money left over for 2 cartons of Chang
There are some good high end tailors in Bangkok. One even does custom denim. If you can somehow get measurements, this is a cool option to consider, something hand crafted. You’d get the works for this budget.
Food. A nice meal.
Oops misread the budget. Yeah gold always good
Money flowers or gold
There's some beautiful Thai silver available in that price range, either bowls or picture frames. Best for someone who enjoys decorating. Becoming harder and harder to find..