How it works
Three ways to buy with Chiang Mai Auction — the Shop (buy now), timed online Auctions, and Live streamed events. Switch the whole site between English and ไทย with the toggle in the top bar.
Browse & search
Open Shop to browse lots by category, search by title or price range, and open any item for its photos, condition and details. Our team can also find an item from a photo (visual search) — just ask.
Create a bidder account
You can Buy now in the Shop as a guest. To bid in a timed or live auction you need a free bidder account (separate from staff): register a display name, email and a password (8+ characters), then sign in. Your account shows what you're winning, wins awaiting payment, and notifications.
Buy now (Shop)
Tap Buy now, give your name and a contact (email or phone), and place the order. The item is reserved for you and marked Awaiting payment — then you pay manually (see below).
Timed online auctions
On an auction you see the current price, a live countdown, and your minimum next bid. The price rises in set steps that grow as it climbs; the highest bid leads (ties → the earliest wins). Some lots have a hidden reserve, checked only at close — you can win below the shop price. If a buy-now price is set you can take the item instantly, until bidding reaches it. Bidder names are masked for privacy.
Live auctions
Open Live to watch a streamed event and bid directly below the video — all in the app (not in the video's comments). Each lot has its own countdown; a late bid auto-extends it, then the highest bidder wins and the event moves to the next lot. The app clock is the official timer — the video may run a few seconds behind.
How payment works
We do not charge cards online. After you win or buy, you receive payment instructions and pay manually — bank transfer, PromptPay, or in person at the shop. Staff confirm your payment; the item then becomes Sold and is held for you to collect. We also offer Self-Storage.
Install the app
Chiang Mai Auction can be installed like an app so it sits on your home screen and opens full-screen — handy for following a live auction on your phone. On Android (Chrome) tap the Install app button or the browser menu → Add to Home screen; on iPhone/iPad use Share → Add to Home Screen; on a computer click the install icon in the address bar. It is the same website, nothing to download from a store. Pages you have visited keep working with a weak connection, but live prices and bids always need a connection.
Search the catalogue
Use the search bar at the top of any page. Start typing and suggestions appear as you type, in Thai or English; tap one or press Search to see results. The search matches both keywords and meaning, across Thai and English together — so 'ceramic for tea' finds a celadon tea set, and a Thai query can find a lot written up in English (and the other way round). You don't need an account to search, only to bid.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an account?
Not to Buy now in the Shop — that works as a guest. You do need a free bidder account to place bids in a timed or live auction.
Is my bid binding?
Yes — a bid is a real commitment to buy at that price if you win. Bid only what you intend to pay.
What is the hidden reserve?
A secret minimum price the seller will accept. It is never shown and is only checked when the auction closes. If the top bid reaches it the item sells; if not, it goes unsold. You may still win below the shop price.
What happens if I'm outbid?
You are notified — come back and place a higher bid before the auction closes.
Can I still buy now after bidding has started?
Yes, if the auction has a buy-now price — right up until the bidding reaches that level.
How do I pay?
Manually — by bank transfer, PromptPay, or in person at the shop. No card is charged online. Staff confirm your payment, then the item is held for collection.
Can I install it like an app?
Yes. On Android (Chrome) tap Install app or use the browser menu → Add to Home screen; on iPhone/iPad use Share → Add to Home Screen; on a computer click the install icon in the address bar. It opens full-screen like an app, with nothing to download from a store.
Can I search in Thai, and does it understand what I mean?
Yes to both. Type in Thai or English; suggestions appear as you type. The search matches the words AND the meaning across both languages, so a Thai query can find an English-titled lot, and 'ceramic for tea' finds a celadon tea set even if those exact words aren't in the title.
Can I see everything from one seller?
Yes. Each lot shows “Sold by” a seller's public name — tap it to open that seller's page and see all their items for sale, or search within just that seller. Sellers appear under a public username or number; their personal details are never shown.