🍺 **Thai Drinks Guide: Beyond Chang & Singha Beer!**
Living in Thailand? Time to explore the local drinking scene beyond tourist beers!
**🍺 LOCAL BEERS (Beyond the Obvious):**
**Leo Beer**
• Most popular with locals (cheaper than Chang/Singha)
• 35-50 THB at 7-Eleven
• 5% ABV - smooth, easy drinking
• Available everywhere
**Chang Beer**
• 6.4% ABV - stronger kick
• 45-60 THB
• "Chang Classic" vs "Chang Export" (smoother)
**Singha**
• Premium Thai beer since 1933
• 5% ABV, crisp taste
• 50-70 THB
• Preferred by expats
**Craft Beer Revolution:**
• **Chatri** - Thai craft IPA
• **Full Moon Brewworks** - Phuket craft
• **Sandport** - Bangkok craft
• **Chalawan** - Award-winning Thai pale ale
• 80-150 THB per bottle
**🥃 THAI SPIRITS & LIQUOR:**
**Thai Whiskey (Lao Khao):**
• **Sangsom** - 40% ABV, rum-like
- 200-250 THB per bottle
- Mixed with Coke/soda water
- Every Thai party essential!
• **Mekhong** - "The Spirit of Thailand"
- Herbal whiskey (35% ABV)
- 180-220 THB
- Smoother than Sangsom
• **Hong Thong** - Budget whiskey
- 130-180 THB
- 35% ABV
- Popular with working class
• **Blend 285** - Premium Thai whiskey
- 350-450 THB
- Smoother, more refined
**🍹 TRADITIONAL DRINKS:**
**Lao Khao (White Whiskey)**
• Homemade rice whiskey
• 40% ABV - STRONG!
• Village moonshine
• Usually free at local parties
• Drink at your own risk! 😅
**Satho (ສະโท)**
• Fermented rice wine from Isaan
• Drunk from clay pots with straws
• Sweet, slightly alcoholic
• Social drinking experience
**Kratom Tea (ชากระท่อม)**
• Traditional herbal drink
• Now controversial/regulated
• Energy boost
• Check local laws before trying
**🥤 NON-ALCOHOLIC LOCAL DRINKS:**
**Cha Yen (Thai Iced Tea)**
• Orange-colored, sweet, creamy
• 20-40 THB
• Perfect with spicy food!
**Oliang (Thai Iced Coffee)**
• Strong, black, sweet
• 25-50 THB
• Better than Starbucks!
**Nam Manao (Lime Soda)**
• Fresh lime, soda, salt/sugar
• 20-30 THB
• Hangover cure!
**M-150 / Red Bull (Thai Original)**
• Energy drinks originated in Thailand!
• 10-15 THB per bottle
• Mixed with whiskey = popular combo
**Coconut Water (Nam Maprao)**
• Fresh from coconut
• 20-40 THB
• Hydration hero in Thai heat
**🍸 WHERE TO DRINK:**
**7-Eleven Prices (Cheapest):**
• Leo: 35-40 THB
• Chang: 45-50 THB
• Singha: 50-60 THB
• Sangsom small: 99 THB
**Bars (Tourist Areas):**
• Beer: 80-150 THB
• Cocktails: 180-400 THB
• Whiskey bucket: 300-500 THB
**Local Restaurants:**
• Beer: 50-80 THB
• Whiskey bottle + mixer: 250-400 THB
**💡 DRINKING TIPS:**
**Legal Stuff:**
✅ Drinking age: 20 years
✅ Alcohol sales: 11am-2pm, 5pm-midnight
✅ Religious holidays = alcohol ban
✅ Public drinking technically illegal (rarely enforced in tourist areas)
**Cultural Notes:**
• Locals mix whiskey with soda + ice bucket
• Toast with "Chok dee!" (Good luck!) or "Chaiyo!" (Cheers!)
• Drinking games common at Thai parties
• Don't refuse drinks from elders - shows respect
**Stay Safe:**
• Thai spirits = strong! Pace yourself
• Don't drink & drive (penalties SEVERE)
• Watch your drink at clubs
• Taxi/Grab home always
**Best Value:**
Buy from 7-Eleven, drink at beach/park/room = 100-200 THB for great night vs 1000+ THB at bars!
What's your favorite Thai drink? 🍻
#ThaiDrinks #ThailandBeer #LeoBeer #Sangsom #ThaiWhiskey #BangkokBars
