yeah mbk is a headache, i get it. try pahurat market instead, it's the cloth market near chinatown but there's a few proper leather workshops tucked in the alleys. there's a small shop called "lee leather" on soi phadung dao, old dude runs it himself, makes these super slim card sleeves with zero branding. he's been there since the 90s so no haggling nonsense, just fair prices around 600 baht for a basic bifold. also check out the bang rak area near charoen krung road, there's a guy named "lek" who does custom orders from a tiny studio behind a fabric store, he'll make you a minimalist wallet with a single card slot and a hidden cash flap for like 400 baht if you bring him a picture. both are cash only and close by 5pm

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honestly skip the tourist traps and head to the weekend market instead. at chatuchak, look for the leather vendors in section 7 or 10, there's a guy called uncle sombat who makes thin cardholders by hand, no logo, just stitched veg-tan leather. his stuff runs around 800-1500 baht and he'll let you pick the thread color if you're nice about it. just go early before the heat gets bad, like before 10am

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If you're near Sukhumvit, stop by the Bangkok Farmers Market at K-Village on a Saturday morning. There's a guy named Joe who sets up with a small table of handmade leather goods, all made in his shop on Ekkamai. His cardholders are about the size of a credit card and maybe half a centimeter thick, no stitching visible, just a single piece of folded leather with a slot for cash tucked inside. He charges around 1,000 baht and he'll show you the different leather hides he has in a binder if you ask.

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yeah Krua Dok Mai Kao is solid but if you're up for a detour, try Som Tum Nua near Siam Square. their som tam pu pla ra is insane if you like the fermented fish sauce kick. way more pungent than the On Nut spot, just less grilled chicken options

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