Thai Beers: Discover Thailand in a Different Way

Whether you're a beer lover or simply curious, Thailand offers a wide range of local and imported beers that will introduce you to the country's flavors and cultures.

But how do you select the perfect beer for your tastes? What are the characteristics and prices of various Thai beers?

In this article, we will provide you with all the necessary information about beer in Thailand, ensuring that you can fully indulge in your stay in this captivating country.

Written by Tieu Bao (Local Expert) Updated on 06-11-2024

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What Are the Main Breweries in Thailand?

Thailand loves beer and has been doing it since 1933. There are three major breweries that make well-known beers: Boon Rawd, Thai Beverage and Thai Asia Pacific. Boon Rawd makes Singha and Leo, which are the most beloved local beers.

Thai Beverage makes Chang and Archa, which are the first beers to be sold overseas. Thai Asia Pacific makes Heineken and Tiger beers for Thais.

Foreign beers are expensive because of taxes. Most Thais prefer local beers. Boon Rawd has the most customers, followed by Thai Beverage and Thai Asia Pacific.

Immerse Yourself in the World of Thai Beers?

Singha: The Oldest and Most Mythical Beer

Singha beer is one of Thailand's oldest and most prestigious beers. Its name means "lion" in Thai, but not just any lion: it is the Singha, a mythical creature with the head of a lion and the body of a dragon, which symbolizes power and nobility. It is this creature that adorns the bottle or can of Singha beer, which is also produced by the Boon Rawd brewery, the same as Leo beer.

Singha beer was the first beer produced in Thailand, in 1933. Since then, it hasn't changed much or varied its recipe. It has remained true to its original taste, which is characterized by:

• Cleaner, fresher flavor than other available options
• A blonde lager with an alcohol content of 5% (which has never really changed or been modified)
• Slightly higher reputation and quality than competing brands

Singha beer is called "Sing" in Thai, without the "ha" at the end. It's a great-tasting beer, but not for everyone. Those who love him appreciate his personality and history. It is often associated with the country's cultural and sporting events, such as the Songkran festival or football.

Singha beer is a bit more expensive than other local beers, but not by much. Depending on where you buy it, the price of a large 62cl bottle of Singha can be close to 80 baht, or about $2.1. The price of a small 33cl can is a little more than half that, or about $1.2. These prices are comparable to those in 7-Eleven stores, where you can also find this beer.

Leo's Best-Selling Beer

If you're a beer lover traveling to Thailand, you won't be able to miss Leo beer, the best-selling beer in the country. This beer is produced by the Boon Rawd brewery. But why is Leo beer so popular with both Thai and foreign consumers? Here are a few reasons why it has been so successful:

• Leo beer has a slightly sweet, grainy taste, which appeals to many palates. It's not too bitter or too strong, making it easy to drink and refreshing.
• Locals find Leo beer easier to drink than other brands, especially Chang beer, which was known to be very strong and give you a hangover the next day (Chang beer changed its recipe to lower its alcohol content).
• Leo beer has a sweet and pleasant taste, which comes from the quality of its ingredients: rice from Thailand, barley from Australia, hops from Germany, and the pure water used to make it.
• Leo beer has 5% alcohol, which is perfect to go with stinging Thai dishes, without being too strong or too weak.

Leo beer is also very affordable, making it easy for anyone to buy. The price of a 62cl bottle of Leo varies depending on the restaurant or bar, but it is between 56 and 66 baht, which is $1.6 to $1.9.

The price of a 33 cl can is even cheaper: between 38 and 44 baht, which is $1. These prices are similar to those of 7-Eleven stores, which are all over Thailand and where people often buy their beer.

Chang: The Strongest Beer

Chang beer is one of Thailand's most popular beers. Its name means "elephant" in Thai, which illustrates the strength and grandeur of this beer. It is produced by Thai Beverage Brewery, the second largest in the country, which has carved out a niche for itself in the market by offering a beer at a slightly lower price than its two main competitors: Leo beer and Singha beer.

Chang beer has long been known as the strongest and cheapest beer in Thailand, which has earned it great popularity among a certain clientele (especially workers) but also a reputation as a low-quality beer. Indeed, its alcohol content was very variable, ranging from 6.4% indicated on the bottle to 10% depending on quality control. This high alcohol content also earned it the nickname "Chang-over", in reference to the difficult aftermath it caused.

But everything changes, and Chang beer was no exception. In recent years, it has undergone a serious transformation, both in terms of its image and its recipe. Thanks to massive advertising campaigns, especially related to football, it has managed to give itself a more modern and attractive image.

With stricter quality control measures, it also changed its formula in 2015 to offer a more reliable and acceptable beer. Here are some features of the new Chang beer:

• Variations on the brand, such as Chang Light, Chang Draught and Chang Export. Eventually, all of these variants were grouped together under the name Chang Classic.
• Chang beer is made with malted barley and rice, which give it its special taste. The recipe changed to a smoother, more stable beer, with less than 5% alcohol (which disappointed many of Chang's fans).

A rise in power in the market, which has allowed it to become the second best-selling beer after Leo. Chang beer still has fans among the locals (especially those who love football) and can be seen everywhere in bars, restaurants or shops in Thailand.

Chang beer is cheap in 7-Eleven stores, where a 33 cl can costs about 37 THB ($1) and a 62 cl bottle costs about 56 THB ($1.6).

>>> Also read: 9 Refreshing Thai Drinks for Hot Summer Days 

Archa: The Horse’s Beer

Archa beer is another Thai beer that is named after a powerful animal: the horse. It is also produced by ThaiBev Brewery, the same as Chang beer, but it was introduced more recently, in 2005. Archa beer was originally a cheap and cheerful, but quite strong beer, which appealed to the locals. Its alcohol content was 6.4%, which made it comparable to Chang beer.

But in 2014, Archa beer changed its formula and reduced its alcohol content to 5%, perhaps to follow a new trend. According to the advertising that accompanies the beer, this is a response to the demands of a new generation of beer consumers who prefer a smoother, lower-alcohol beer.

It may be debatable, but this Thai beer is one of the standards available at all 7-Eleven or other stores, and it comes at a slightly lower price than most others.

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Phuket Beer: The Exotic Beer

Phuket beer is a Thai beer that is named after the famous island in the south of the country, known for its paradisiacal beaches and vibrant nightlife. It is produced by the San Miguel Thailand brewery, which belongs to the Philippine group San Miguel. It accounts for about 2% of the beer market in Thailand, making it a more exotic and original alternative to other local beers.

>>> Read more: Thailand Islands: Guide to Choosing the Best One in 2024

Phuket beer is made with hops from Germany and good quality rice from Thailand, Jasmine rice. This blend gives it a European flavor and a malty taste, which earned it a gold medal at one of Thailand's first beer competitions. It is popular with expats and tourists alike, who find it more refined and elegant than other beers in the country.

Phuket beer has an alcohol content of 5%, which is typical of most Thai beers. Its price is usually slightly higher than other local beers, but not by much, around 65 Bath ($1.8). You can find it in some shops, bars, or restaurants around the country, but it's not as prevalent as Leo, Sinka, or Chang beers.

Singha, Chang or Leo? – Which One to Choose Among the “Big 3”?

Singha beer is a pale lager that usually comes with a slightly higher price tag than its main competitor, Chang. For many beer lovers, Singha is undeniably the best option, due to its 100% malty barley composition, which gives it a rich body and pronounced flavor. However, others find that Singha tastes slightly more bitter and therefore prefer his rival, Chang.

Chang is also a more robust beer than Singha. When it comes to price, Chang is the cheapest beer, followed by Leo and Singha. Chang features a slight sheen, while Singha stands out for its luxurious richness and creaminess.

For those looking for an alternative to Singha, Leo beer is significantly more affordable. Made from barley and a flavorful blend of special Thai ingredients, Leo is smooth and easier to drink than its two counterparts, with a distinct flavor all its own.

>>> Ready for a trip? The Ultimate Guide to a 2-Week Adventure in Thailand 

Which Beer Is Best to Pair With Thai Food?

When it comes to pairing beers with Thai food, local choices like Leo, Chang, and Singha won't disappoint. Light beers go well with hearty dishes, while strong beers pair better with light dishes, which need a stronger hop taste to make a savory contrast. Of course, you also have the freedom to mix and match according to your preferences to find the perfect pairing between beer and food.

For example, red meat, such as a beef salad, goes great with Singha, while coconut dishes and fresh dishes pair well with light or medium beers like Leo.

Beers that taste citrus, like Phuket beer, go well with Thai dishes like stir-fries and Pad Thai. If you can't find a craft beer, a cold Singha is a good option.

For a green curry (not too strong), Singha, a light beer like an IPA, is very good. But for a stronger green curry, Leo or Chang are better, as their malty tastes go well with the spiciness of strong dishes.

Where Are the Best Places to Enjoy Beer?

Tasting a local beer and enjoying the vibrant vibe of Thailand is undoubtedly an activity not to be missed. After all, Bangkok is one of the world's most popular party destinations!

Drinking a local beer and enjoying the lively atmosphere of Thailand is an unforgettable experience. Bangkok is one of the most festive cities in the world!

Its charming and energetic nightlife offers something for everyone, from wild nights out in bars and clubs to Thai culture and cuisine in the night markets!

Bangkok has lively areas where you can have fun at night, with bars, Thai food, drinks and a nice atmosphere. Khao San Road, Sukhumvit Soi 11, Thonglor Soi 10 and Silom Road are places where one can enjoy the energy of the capital and experience the local nightlife.

Bangkok has rooftop bars where you can have a drink without too much noise. If you prefer a quieter atmosphere, you can try one of these bars. Discover the best rooftop bars in Thailand here!

You can also go south to see dreamy islands and beaches where you can enjoy the tropical and festive atmosphere. Phuket is one of the best places for nightlife, with plenty of clubs, bars and other great places to have a drink on Patong Beach.

Don't miss the most famous party islands in Thailand, such as Koh Phi Phi, Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Krabi, and more. Here you will find many beach bars, each with a different atmosphere, relaxed or dynamic.

>>> Explore more: Thailand Islands: Guide to Choosing the Best One in 2024

Our final words,

This article has hopefully taught you a few things about Thai beer. In Thailand, there are beers to suit every taste and budget, whether you prefer local beers or imported beers.

But be careful to drink in moderation and respect the rules and traditions of the country. Beer in Thailand is not just a beverage, it is also a way to share and experience Thai culture. So, don't be afraid to raise your glass and say "cheers" or "chok dee" in Thai. Have a good trip and enjoy your tasting!

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