In practise most gold shops review their prices 3 times a day, more if the market is volatile. The price displayed in the shop is for Thai gold, about 98% pure. The higher price is for buying, but a premium will be added depending on the amount of labour involved, if more intricate design the more work needed, therefore higher charge. The lower price is for gold you are exchanging in against new, virtually scrap value. It has become common lately to display a third , much lower price at govt request, this is for valuation to assess its security as a bond for a loan.In theory you can get your gold back on repayment of loan and interest.
Unlike most other markets , you can by"pure"gold in Thailand, this is generally known as triple 9 or 99.9% pure, obviously at a higher price.
The actual baht weight is not significant, but along with other superstitions, some may consider odd weights, 1,3,5,7 & 9 more auspicious than even weights.(It didn't stop my wife from wanting 10bht, guess she's not superstitious!!)So, you pays your money, you take your choice, but it is of interest that 1bht is every bit as lucky as 9.
