5 Thai eyewear brands that do more than help you see

We're starting things off with a spot eyewear lovers probably know inside out. Wang Burapha Optical first opened its doors back in 1955, when the science of proper eyewear was barely a topic of conversation. Over the decades, it became the go-to for glasses enthusiasts in Thailand, with skills and know-how handed down through the generations. These days, it trades under the name Another Specs.

That classic foundation hasn't gone anywhere – but undergoing a proper refresh would be an understatement. Every step in the process gets careful attention, almost like sculpting. Each adjustment is treated with the precision of cutting a diamond, making sure it matches every angle of your frame. You can even bring in your old pair to be tweaked and refitted rather than shelling out for something new.

The range covers prescription glasses, sunglasses and blue-light filtering lenses. You choose your own frames and lens colours.There's no rush while you're picking glasses and you can try on every size until you're completely sure. They genuinely want you to feel comfortable with what you're wearing on your face and we love that.

From B1,790. Contact: IG – anotherspecs

Noun.bkk (pronounced ‘Now’) is an eyewear shop that feels more like a quiet cafe tucked away in Udomsuk. It's a small, charmingly bespoke space with over a decade of history, built on proper craftsmanship and designs to suit pretty much any style you're after.

The shop specialises in progressive lenses, which blend multiple prescription powers into one pair of glasses. Perfect if you're someone who needs their specs to properly work for them day to day. But it's the service that keeps people coming back. Every detail gets looked after here, from eye tests to finding frames that actually suit your face – gone are the days of simply picking up  the nearest pair on the shelf.

From B1,990. Contact: IG – noun.bkk

If you want your glasses to reflect your identity and be more than just a vision aid, Arty and Fern Eyewear is worth a good look. This custom eyewear studio transforms your preferences, dreams, profession or even a beloved pet into beautiful works of art on frames. No exaggeration.

Every step happens in-house, from concept and design through to production, making each pair tell your story. The overall vibe might feel fantastical, but the team does a great job of creating clean, minimalist designs for anyone after something simple but refined. Because each piece gets made individually, you'll need to book an appointment in advance so every detail gets the attention it deserves. 

Pricing depends on the design complexity and materials chosen for your frames. Contact: IG – artyandfern

Kaya starts life as a small personal project before growing into a proper online eyewear brand. The name comes from the Thai word for ‘body’, which makes sense when you think about it – these are pieces you wear, use and live with every day. They’re part of your body, not just an accessory.

What sets Kaya apart is its online prescription service. Yes, ordering glasses online might sound a bit daunting at first, but the brand does a solid job of walking you through the whole process with plenty of information upfront. Plus, there's a warranty of up to 18 months, which should ease any worries. It's perfect for anyone who values convenience and wants to sort their eyewear without the hassle of endless shop visits. A straightforward, easy way to look after your eyes from the comfort of home with designs that are as individual as you.

From B320. Contact: IG – kaya.glasses

If you like your specs to come with a touch of nostalgia, then this one’s for the vintage fans among us. The team spend their time hunting down old frames and designing new ones that feel like they could've been plucked straight from another era. Think classic shapes and timeless silhouettes, but with a modern twist that actually works for everyday life.

Choosing the perfect pair can feel like a bit of a minefield, but the staff are genuinely helpful without being pushy. They offer everything from eye exams to lens fitting and repairs, so you're properly sorted once you've found your match. Because let's face it, once you've discovered a vintage look that suits you, there's no going back – unless its Same old days for another pair.

From B2,150. Contact: IG – sameolddays.co