Old sticky, but if anybody wants a decent Fender guitar, his best bet is to go across the border. That's what I did, had to do. You'll get porked for around the same amount you would at that joint in Bombay, but you'll be getting the genuine article, per your specifications (paint, hardware, etc). Music Concept on the 3'rd floor of Central World Plaza in Bangkok will give you as good a deal as you're gonna find for an American made Standard HSS, at least on this side of the planet. I bought a black HSS (white plasticware, ala vintage Clapton), maple neck.
https://www.stevesmusic.com/images/attributes/Fender_Strat_HSS_Std.jpg
Staff is helpful and courteous, speak English well, will modify the thing however you like. Got some minor imperfections in the finish (couple of seams in the body wood show through, barely, if you tilt instrument just so towards light), but the key word there is minor. Beautiful guitar regardless and otherwise, set up from factory (neck, string action, bridge, magnets properly staggered in the single coil pups).
It's an expensive option, flying and buying, but you won't have to settle for crappy quality, like those awful toy Squiers they sell over near Brigade Rd (Bangalore). Or pay outrageous import tax, for that matter.
Customs guy looked at box in airport, "What's this?" Felt like saying none of your damned business. Said it's a guitar, he squinted like a chimp, hooted for me to go ahead.
If anybody does go to Bangkok, beware the taxi drivers. Think auto drivers're bad? You ain't seen nothin'.
