Coconut Records

What is it? Anchored at Fortune Town for over eight years, this shop grows from an owner who spent a decade collecting within Bangkok’s music circles. That history hums through every crate. Thai luk thung and molam are the heroes here, sitting beside rock, soul and vintage Black music from the ‘60s to ‘80s, many becoming increasingly scarce.

Why we love it: The focus remains on original-era pressings, meaning copies produced in the same year an album first appeared. If you want to hear The Beatles with their proper tonal character intact, the owner will attempt to track down versions from the ‘60s through to the ‘80s – although expect a price tag to match. Thankfully, instead of gatekeeping, the shop gently nudges beginners towards unexpected genres, broadening your tastes without making you feel underqualified. 

Time Out tip: Thai ‘90s releases, classic luk thung and molam are drawing renewed attention from overseas collectors, so start there if you’re curious (and before they go up even more in price). Before setting off, glance at the shop’s Facebook page; the owner posts updates if he’s out at an event, sparing you a wasted journey.

3/F, Fortune Town Ratchadaphisek Rd, Din Daeng. Open daily, 11.30am-8pm