Due to the refreshing sensation during hot weather or because of how well it combines with many local products and snacks, Thai beer is an excellent choice and a very popular drink in the country. Sure, you can buy foreign beer, such as Heineken, Corona, Hoegarden, Carlsberg and others, but Thai is not expensive compared to any other beer brands, and no less tasty.
The choice of a foamy drink in the country
Thai beer boils down to several of the best brands: Singha, Leo and Chang. The competition in Thailand is fierce - you don’t have to go far to notice someone in a T-shirt advertising one of the major brands. Beer lovers in Thailand prefer to drink what they like, and they also like to argue about the nuances.
Initially, European manufacturers supplied the drink to the country, but since 1933 the Thais began to brew their own. Although you can find imported beer in most bars and restaurants, the local one also copes with the spiciness of generously seasoned dishes.
Brewing requirements
Craft beer is trying to gain a foothold in Thailand. However, strict laws and harsh penalties for home brewing strangle the industry. In 2016, laws became even more stringent. The regulations require that beer producers have a minimum production capacity of ten million liters per year, which is about 30,000 bottles, and this is difficult for new brewers just entering the market. In addition, Thai laws stipulate that new breweries should have about $ 300,000 in advance capital, which is almost impossible for most in this part of the world.
How to make beer in Thailand?
Only a few large beer companies dominate the country, which also impede the emergence of smaller competitors on the market. Among them, ThaiBev, which was founded in 2003 and has headquarters in Bangkok, but most of the brewing is carried out in Ayutthaya - in the ancient capital north of the city.
In addition to alcohol, companies in the Thai Beverage Plc group produce several other related products. They are created with the aim of producing and marketing products created from brewing waste in order to reduce their quantity. These products are light building bricks, fertilizers (from waste products of alcoholic beverages), animal feed and additional animal feed (from malt waste), etc.
Boon Rawd Brewery, the oldest in Thailand, was founded in 1933 after the founder was given formal sanction and a royal title from King Rama VII. Singha's flagship flagship still boasts royal clearance on its label. The company also has headquarters in Bangkok, but produces beer in distilleries throughout the country. Public brewery tours are not advertised. However, private, group and corporate excursions can be arranged by contacting the company. Together, these two conglomerates control more than 90% of the national beer market. Now you know who and how makes beer in Thailand.
The most famous
Thai main and, many will argue, the best beer - a light filtered Singha lager with 5% alcohol. Produced by Boon Rawd Brewery since 1933. Singha is also the most famous outside of Thailand, as it is exported to many foreign countries. Partnerships with the football clubs Manchester United, Chelsea and the F1 Red Bull Racing team create beer, as a popular brand, a high international prestige.
The name comes from the Sanskrit word "singha" (translated "lion") and a powerful beast in Hindu folklore. Singha is a bit more expensive than other brands of Thai beer, so budget travelers who prefer other brands are more likely to avoid it.
Taste: the foamy drink has a characteristic, rather original aroma. Its strong malt flavor makes it ideal for use with a spiced dish. Perfectly complements salty and highly seasoned dishes, but is also the most popular Thai beer in and of itself.
Beer Leo
A lager with 5% ABV is one of the most popular budget options, mainly because it is easy to drink and is not a Chang beer. Once, the latter had a bad reputation due to a terrible hangover after drinking, and many changed it to Leo. This is a fairly high-quality and also inexpensive product, it is located somewhere between Singha and Chang beer. Like Singh, Boon Rawd Brewery is made, but the cost is a little less. The name is another reference to the mythological and mighty beast. Leo has a large market share in Thailand, but according to Chang fans, it lacks flavor.
Feel like an elephant
Beer "Chang" (chang - translated from Thai "elephant") may not be so well known in the West, but very popular in Thailand. Lovers of sitting and drinking beer speak well of him. This is usually the cheapest of the best Thai brands. "Chang" refreshes thirsty since 1995. Until 2015, the lager was the strongest Thai beer: ABV was 6.4%. The new Chang Classic has an ABV of 5.2%.
Although Chang won a number of awards, he struggled for a long time with a reputation for inadequate quality control. According to rumors, the fortress did not match the specified and reached more than 10%. Tourists all over Thailand were afraid of the terrible "Changover" (chang-hangover combination), which made you feel like an elephant standing on your head.
ThaiBev, a manufacturing company, has changed the ABV and formula by releasing several options, including Chang Light, Chang Draft, and Chang Export. In 2015, all brands were merged into Chang Classic. Taste: light, pleasant and rich, barely distinguishable fruity and hoppy aroma.
What else is worth a try?
In a country where the three leaders confidently dominate - “Chang”, “Singh” and “Leo”, it is difficult to try something different from the camp. However, it’s worth the effort and you’ll find what you are looking for. Archa beer is also produced by ThaiBev, but travelers are less well-known. It is popular in circles that prefer a balanced taste and 5% ABV.
FEDERBRÄU is a beer created under the impression of German quality and brewed using the best imported German malt. Easy to drink and refresh.
With a total score of 94 on RateBeer, Oneth Fort's Black India Pale Ale is very far away to taste from Chang. Dark brown color, malt flavor with coffee and chocolate notes will be remembered for a long time. Pleasant long aftertaste with medium bitterness and light carbonation. One of the many great varieties that have appeared at the Eleventh Fort Brewery in recent years.
Nobody, as a rule, associates Thailand with strong beer, but the Silom Pirates stout will fix it. With notes of rum and raisins, subtle hints of chocolate and coffee, it is perfect for the heat and more than deserves its pirate name. A deep, mildly carbonated, typical strong drink to enjoy.
Thai Tiger beer is a popular option in beer pubs. The quality and taste are usually good, and the price is quite affordable. Tiger, brewed under license, never made a big stir among local lovers of a foamy drink, but is often found in bars for immigrants.
Alcohol and the law
Thailand has a laid-back attitude to drinking in general, but has recently tightened some of the laws to control the sale of alcoholic beverages.
The Law on the Suppression of Alcoholic Beverages of 2008 increases the legal age of alcohol consumption to 20 years. Prohibits the sale of alcohol near temples, hospitals, schools and public parks. Prohibits sales between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. - to reduce alcohol consumption by minors. Public drunkenness, leading to unwanted attention by law enforcement agencies, can lead to imprisonment for a year. During the election of the Prime Minister and Senator, a ban on the use of alcohol.
You can import alcohol without duty, but your personal limit is one liter, regardless of its type. In the eyes of the law, one liter of beer is equal to one liter of vodka.