Tools:
OK-its not much, but on a Nancy Chandler map I have there is a road named
"Mannee Noparat" which is one of the roads running parallel to the square moat that surrounds the old city.
On the map for this road, near "Sri Poom Corner" and "Chaya Poom Road", is marked a shop for "Work Clothes" -which may know a place where you can buy tools.

Far more substantial is that probably the people you are going to be working with or for will know where you can buy tools and materials, being locals.

Hi Tommy

Thailand is a metric country with kilometres and centimetres.

Sorry I can't answer your second question as I am not familiar with Chiang Mai.

David

There will be a homecraft store - almost every town has one.
They have tools, and materials.
There will also be local merchants that sell cheaper tools and materials, just have to poke your nose in to find them.
Not sure what you are after but they have all the latest battery drills, air pressure hammers and saws etc. I set myself up with a small trailer with genset, air compressor, welder, pedestal dril and power/air tools for about250,000 baht - but it is probaly over the top for a basic trades kit.
While metric is common, expect older tradesmen, particularly carpenters to stick with inches; had this problem a lot, boat building in Chonburi.

Help with measurements
 

I would just like to know if Thailand uses the metric or imperial measurement system. That is do they use miles or kilometres, centimetres or inches. i cannot remember from my last visit.
I am a carpenter doing some volunteer work in Chiang Mai in January '08.

Also can anyone tell me if there is a hardware store or building materials retail chain or should I just look for local suppliers ?
I am working for an orphanage in Amphoe San Patong ,South of Chiang Mai and will need to buy materials and tools ? Any help would be appreciated.

Korp kuhn krab

Thank you all for your valuable help.http://www.thailandqa.com/forum/imag...es/thankya.gif
The orphanage I will be volunteering for does have a budget and local help for some of the work they need doing but I have a group of friends who are all pitching in a little money for the cause. While using the tools when I am there, they will be donated back to the orphanage for them to be able to perform maintainence themselves and by the local volunteers. I will mention to them this great website and the valuable information contributed.
http://www.thailandqa.com/forum/images/smilies/clap.gif
Tommy