Alcohol in Thailand: What Tourists Need to Know
Thailand is famous for its resorts, but it is worth considering the peculiarities of local laws and traditions related to alcohol consumption. Here is everything you need to know about alcoholic drinks in the Kingdom.
How much alcohol can you import and export?
According to the customs regulations of the Kingdom of Thailand, no more than one liter per adult is allowed to be imported duty-free. It does not matter whether it is strong alcohol or not.
Thailand does not impose strict restrictions on the amount of alcohol you can take abroad. However, the amount of alcohol you can carry is regulated by the rules of your destination country. For example, you can bring 3 liters of alcohol into Russia duty-free, 5 liters duty-free.
What can you buy in Phuket?
Conventionally, they can be divided into local drinks and imported ones. Imported alcohol can be purchased in supermarkets of the Tops, Villa Market chains, PromPhan or Wine Connection stores (a fairly large selection of wine and champagne from around the world).
We won’t talk about imported drinks, but we will dwell on local alcohol in more detail.
Strong alcoholic drinks
Let's take a closer look at the strong alcohol that is often brought back as a souvenir after a holiday in Phuket.
Thai rum Sang Som (Sang Som, Sang Som)
It is produced by Sang som Co Ltd., which is part of Thai Beverage Plc since November 1977. Currently, it has several international awards, which are depicted on the label. More than 70 million liters of this rum are produced per year. But it is quite difficult to buy it outside of Thailand. It has a volume of 0.350 and 0.7 liters. Sugar cane is used as the basis of the drink. Currently, 4 varieties of this drink are produced:
- Sang Som Gold Medallion - 3 years of aging
- Sang Som Superio r – 5 years old
- Sang Som Similan – 8 years old
- Sang Som Premium - 8 years of aging + added medicinal herbs
Strength: 40%
How to drink: neat, in cocktails with cola, red bull or juice, the Thai version is with ice and soda.
Price: from 150 baht for 0.350 liters and from 270 baht for 0.7 liters.
Thai Rum Chalong Bay
It has been produced at a factory in the Chalong area since 2012. It can safely be called one of the most popular souvenirs. It is prepared by hand from natural ingredients and if you wish, you can go to the factory and see the whole process with your own eyes. The cost of a tour to the factory is about 450-500 baht per person, you can get there on your own. To open the location, click here.
Strength: 40%
How to drink: neat or in cocktails.
Price: 0.7 liters - about 800 baht
Thai rum/whiskey Hong Tong
In fact, it is neither. It is closer to whiskey in color, and closer to rum in production method. But in fact, it is an alcoholic drink, close to brandy. Some consider it to be flavored rice moonshine and even drive away the thought of drinking it. So I will say honestly - the drink is for an amateur. It is mainly consumed by local residents who prefer strong and budget alcohol.
Strength: 35%
How to drink: neat, in cocktails with cola, red bull or juice, the Thai version is with ice and soda.
Price: from 150 baht for 0.350 liters and from 270 baht for 0.7 liters.
Thai brandy Regency
It is considered a premium Thai alcoholic drink, which is also called the "king of brandy in Thailand". It is made from local grape varieties, undergoes a process of double distillation and aging in oak barrels.
Strength: 40%
How to drink: neat, in cocktails with cola, red bull or juice, the Thai version is with ice and soda.
Price: from 400 baht.
Thai beer
One of the most popular drinks among tourists. It has been produced since 1933 in central Thailand and is now actively exported. Initially, only 0.6 liter bottles were produced, but now there are 0.33 liter bottles and cans of the same volume.
Chang (Chang) in translation from Thai means "elephant".
Singha (Singa, Singha) is translated from Thai as “lion”.
Leo (Leo)
Archa (Archa)
Cheers
Tiger is actually a Singaporean beer, but it has already firmly established itself on the Thai market.
Phuket (Phuket) - rarely found in large supermarkets or bars
Strength: from 4.2% to 5.4%
How to drink: chilled, Thai version – with ice and lime.
Price: from 40 baht
Thai wines
Monsoon Valley Wines
The best Thai wine, which has won awards at exhibitions in Europe. It is produced by Siam Vinery and is extremely rare in Phuket. So if you see a bottle, grab it.
Fruit wine Fresco
It is made from various fruits and berries. Very often on the shelves you can find mangosteen wine, which is very pleasant to taste. It is sold in all supermarkets and is considered a fairly popular drink.
Strength: from 4.2% to 8%
How to drink: chilled, Thai version – with ice.
Price: from 200 baht
Rice wine Siam Sato
This is a traditional drink of farmers from northern Thailand. It tastes like still champagne mixed with cider.
Strength: 8%
How to drink: chilled, Thai version – with ice.
Price: from 30 baht
Fruit wines of artisanal production
You can find them in the island's souvenir shops, as well as in the markets. These wines can hardly be called wine at all, since their composition is unclear and the quality of the drinks leaves much to be desired. That is why the locals do not drink them, and they are not placed on the shelves of large supermarkets.
Low alcohol drinks
There are many of them, but the most common drinks are Bacardi Breezer and Spy. Also in all supermarkets you can find Smirnoff Ice and all kinds of wine coolers, their number is growing every year.
Strength: up to 12%
How to drink: chilled, Thai version – with ice.
Price: from 45 baht
Cheap Thai Drinks
Thailand also has its own tinctures and cheap types of strong alcohol. One of them is Lao Khao. This is Thai rice whiskey for those who urgently need a drink, but have no money at all. You won’t find it in bars and cafes, but you can buy it in any store.
Strength: up to 35%
How to drink: maybe you shouldn't drink it at all?
Price: from 30 baht
Tincture Yadong (Yadong)
This is a tincture or moonshine, has medicinal properties and is infused with herbs. Many Thais know their own recipes for making it. You can't buy it ready-made, but some tourist shops offer herbs and roots for infusion.
Strength: from 25 to 40%
How to drink: in small portions for medicinal purposes
Price: from 150 baht
Some facts about alcohol sales in Thailand
- Alcohol is not sold near educational and medical institutions.
- Alcohol is not sold in shops and cafes located in Muslim areas;
- Alcohol is not sold from 12 midnight to 11 am and from 2 pm to 5 pm;
- Alcohol is not sold during Buddhist and public holidays;
- In many areas there are small shops operating without a cash register, which violate the ban stated above.
- In case of violation of the ban on the sale of alcohol, both the seller and the buyer may face administrative liability.
- In public places (parks, beaches) the consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited. But the police are lenient towards violation of this prohibition.
Thailand offers a wide range of alcoholic drinks, but do not forget to respect local traditions and drink alcohol in moderation, taking into account the hot climate and the individual characteristics of your body. Excessive alcohol consumption is harmful to your health, as well as relationships with loved ones.
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