Even though there are lots of disputes on how to slake you thirst on hot days, for many years people in different countries with a single heart have been showing preference for beer. But one shouldn’t think that good beer is prepared in Germany and Czech Republic only – good sorts of this drink can be found everywhere, including the exotic country of Thailand.

The first Siamese beer was brewed in 1933, and even though Thai sorts (mainly lager beer) faced cruel international competition, they occupied their own niche in regional and international markets alike. In modern Thailand beer is the most popular, almost a cult drink. Good proof for this can be found almost in every country’s spot, especially in large cities, like the country’s capital – Bangkok, where citizens drink beer almost without a break, sitting on open terraces in front of shopping malls or right on the move when they are in a hurry. Till recently, beer was sold only in 0,66-litre bottles. As for the 0,33 bottles, they appeared here only to please tourists. Local cuisine promotes the popularity of beer in Thailand – dishes are very spicy and pungent and it is next to impossible to wash them down with wine.

What can a tourist expect from local diversity of beer? The oldest Thai brand which is well-known abroad is called "Singha", translated as “Lion” and created by the “Boon Rawd” brewery. Three types of beer (Singha (6%), Singha Gold (4,8%) and Singha Draft (4,8%) are produced of Thai barley. The high quality of this beer is due to the fact that Bhirom Bhakdi, the company’s founder, was taught by Bavarian brewers. According to the producers, they named their beer after the mythic lion from ancient legends, which was the symbol of force, stability and grace. The golden lion adorning every bottle stresses the fact that "Singha" is the king of the Thai beer. This is actually the case, as many experts call it one of the best Asian beer brands. In its homeland it got so popular that when you order a beer and don’t specify which one you want, they will definitely bring you "Singha".

Some years ago another beer brand - "Chang", or "Elephant" appeared in Thailand, which could easily compete with "Singha". This beer has been produced by "Thai Beverages" from 1994. The name is also not a random one – in Thai history elephant is a mystical figure. "Chang" got known in many world countries after it became the sponsor for Everton football team from Liverpool. Chang is a lager beer, which is produced in two variants - 6,4% for regional market and 5% as an export variant.

Besides "Singha", "Boon Rawd" brewery also produces beer called “Leo” (5,5%) Leo Super (6,5%) and Mittweida (5%). Its rival, Thai Beverages, supplies the market with Archa (5,4%) lager beer.

Another famous Thai brand is called “Phuket” and is brewed in the Phuket province in the country’s south. Tropical Beverage International developed this brand for those in love with magical Phuket island and with beer. This is a bit sweetish 5% beer which has a colourful toucan bird on its label. In 2006 this brand got the “Monde Selection” Gold Medal.

Those who are fond of “knock-down” can try "Red Horse" (6,9%) produced by the "San Miguel" brewery. This is one of the strongest types of Thai beer and the company itself calls it “beer for the workmen”. “Blue Ice” (6,4%) is also produced by this company but is a bit less strong.

As for the less known brands, those are mainly produced in the country’s centre. "Siam" (5%), "Champ" (5,8%), Klassik (5,5%), "Thai" (6,5%), "Black Beer" (6,5%) and "Kloster" (5,2%) are brewed in Pathum Thani Province; "Asia Pacific Breweries" from Nonthaburi Province produces 5 % strong "Tiger" beer.

As you can see, there are lots of sorts of beer in Thailand. And if you don’t like local beer, you can always find imported one in Thai shops. Some European restaurants even have their own breweries.

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