Pattaya, of course, is never Bangkok, but even in our village there are decent places to view the panorama of the city (which, by the way, is quite good) from a height accompanied by cocktail accompaniment.
What should you remember when you are going to go to a rooftop bar? Firstly, the best time, without a doubt, is sunset. Arrive at 5 o'clock and sit at will until dark. We are very lucky here with geography, and a cocktail against the backdrop of a stunning sunset of the bay is, of course, a mega experience. I, unfortunately, usually show up for a cocktail later, but the view of the city at night, as a rule, slightly compensates.
My list of Pattaya rooftops is non-exhaustive: only I know of at least a couple more. But I haven't gotten around to the rest yet.
Horizon Restaurant @ Hilton Pattaya
Rooftop at the Hilton Hotel on Beach Road, the same one where Central Festival is located. 34th floor and direct view of the bay. In general, in a good way, you should go to Horizon when the rest of the rooftops have already been visited. To get some enjoyment out of them. There are always a lot of people here in the evenings, and on weekends it is logical to either come early or book a table, otherwise you can be left with nothing, despite the fact that there are, in principle, a lot of places in the bar.
In the dark, the waiters run around with flashlights to illuminate the menu, which is rather concise. However, people come here not to eat, but to drink. Cocktails from 270 baht (classic) to 420 (branded from the institution), which for a place of this level is just an attraction of generosity. Basically, however, there are only long drinks on the menu. But "Manhattan" was still found for me.
DIB D Varee Inspiration Bar @ D Varee Hotel
Theoretically, the rooftop at the D-Vari hotel (the former Furama between 13 and 14 jays of Jomtien) could well compete with the Hilton: for sure, in terms of the opening panorama. But! My first encounter with this rooftop about a year ago was marred by utterly clumsy service, although serving cocktails in ice glasses was a credit. The next attempts turned out to be much more successful (maybe due to the fact that I went to this institution at sunset). There are classics (Negroni, Mai Tai, Margherita), and variations on the theme (for example, Cosmopolitan with pomegranate juice or Ginger martini). From 18.00 to 20.00 at DIB happy hours (two cocktails for the price of one for 260 baht - are you kidding???). It is better to be located in the northern part of the terrace, and not in the south: not only is the sunset view more pleasant, but the atmosphere is more comfortable. Light snacks, including beef carpaccio with arugula and parmesan (180) or foie gras with caramelized apples and balsamic vinegar (380), are not amazing, but also not bad. Minus: there are not a lot of visitors, and those who are are caught in flip flops and shorts.
The Roof Sky Bar @ [email protected]
Despite the fact that this northern rooftop (Second Street almost at the very North) leaves an ambiguous impression, you should by no means miss it. Why? The cocktail menu is creative (240-280 baht), the menu contains absolutely enchanting dishes, the price tag for such a location is the most humane. And that's not it! There is also a real swimming pool on the roof. You can sit on the couch with a glass and treat yourself to a movie show: films - time-tested and Oscar-winning classics - are broadcast right there on the big screen. And all this - with an incredible view of the bay. Since I am more used to seeing the view from south to north, the north to south option seemed to me something new and created a complete feeling of moving to a new latitude.
Sunset Lounge @ HotelBaraquda Pattaya
No, of course, putting a bar on a modest sixth floor in Barakuda, and even on Second Street, on a par with the high-altitude rooftops listed earlier is somehow even indecent: in fact, there is no view (i.e. it is on the city, but not haughtily, so more than modest), and the terrace itself, although designed for 100 people, seems cramped and crowded. However, the atmosphere is still pleasant, the chairs and sofas are comfortable, the staff is quite friendly. And that's not it. Once - the cocktails are very good - this is already a set-off; two - they are served with a large selection of creatively designed tapas - it seems that there is no need to wish for more. And three - live saxophone plays on weekends in winter. Sax, rooftop, cocktail - and Sunset Lounge is definitely on my list of the best rooftops in the city.
This concludes our brief overview of rooftop bars in Pattaya. Chin-chin!
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Or a simple pineapple neck, or something more exotic and cocktail. But how to understand this incomprehensible menu? I will help you and give you the top ten most popular cocktails in Thailand, which can be ordered in almost any bar. The culture of making cocktails came back in the 70s of the last century, along with the advent of Americans in the country. Some authentic alcoholic cocktails are not served in Thailand, unless it is a branded recipe of the institution. The Tourism Authority of Thailand even, but it is not served everywhere, is more often found under the name Tom Yam. The composition includes chili, lime and lemongrass.
Since there are so many recipes for making cocktails, mine may differ from those that you try in Thai bars and restaurants. Don't be confused by the first photo, this is not some exotic cocktail, but a banal vodka with snake's blood. But more about that some other time.
Pina colada
Where would Thailand be without the traditional Pina Colada, the traditional drink of Puerto Rico. It is served not only in bars and restaurants, but it is quite possible that it will be sold in your beach bar. And sometimes this cocktail is brought in a real pineapple or even coconut, its taste differs from the traditional one and has a more exotic shade. You can make your own Pina Colada at home. For this you will need:
- 3 parts light rum
- 2 parts Malibu liqueur
- 5 parts pineapple juice
Mix all the ingredients in a shaker with crushed ice, pour into a glass and garnish with a slice of pineapple, lime or orange. In some bars, pineapple juice is replaced with pineapple pulp or coconut milk is added.
Mai Tai
No matter how much you would like to believe that mai thai was invented in Thailand, it is not. Although the Thais say that the name of the cocktail is translated as “Thai silk”. The homeland of Mai Tai is Hawaii. But from this in Thailand, it does not become less tasty. Some bars are ready to offer their own versions of Siam Mai Thai with the addition of grenadine. Mai Tai in Thailand is red, while in the classic recipe it is light brown. For this cocktail you will need:
- 2 parts light rum
- 2 parts dark rum
- 2 parts Orange Curacao or Cointreau orange liqueur
- 1 part Orgeat almond syrup
- 1 part lime juice
Mix the ingredients in a shaker with ice, if desired, you can add 1 part pomegranate juice, and the cocktail is ready. In Thailand, mai thai can be made with orange juice, pineapple pulp (or pineapple juice) and served directly in the pineapple.
Mojito
A refreshing Cuban mojito cocktail can be ordered both alcoholic and non-alcoholic. In Thailand, mint syrup is usually not used, but is made from real mint leaves. For this cocktail you will need:
- 30 grams of light rum
- 12 fresh mint leaves
- 1 half lime
- 2 teaspoons cane sugar
- soda water
Put sugar in a glass, squeeze lime juice, for this it is better to cut it into quarters, which are also put in a glass. Add mint leaves, and mash everything with a pestle or spoon. Pour some ice (preferably crushed), add rum, stir and add soda to a full glass. The cocktail is ready!
Long Island
This cocktail in Thailand can be made with Lipton iced tea instead of Coca Cola. It is American in origin, even if some Thais will assure you that it is named after the English translation of the island of Koh Yao near Phuket. Although no one knows their original recipe.
- 1 part gin
- 1 part vodka
- 1 part light rum
- 1 part tequila
- 1 part Triple Sec orange liqueur
- juice of half a lemon
- 1 part coca cola for color
Shake all ingredients in a shaker with ice and pour into a tall glass. Garnish with lime and cherry.
Tequila Sunrise
Another popular cocktail in Thailand is the American Sunrise Tequila, made famous by the Rolling Stones. To prepare it you will need:
- 3 parts tequila
- 6 parts orange juice
- 1 part grenadine
First, pour tequila into a tall glass, then orange juice, and at the very end, carefully add grenadine so that it sinks to the bottom and gives the effect of dawn.
Singapore Sling
And here is the first Asian cocktail, first made in. The bar itself is no less interesting than a cocktail. Drinks are served with unshelled peanuts, the shells of which are usually thrown on the floor. Even if you care about the cleanliness of the establishment, once again a waitress passing by you will surely brush off the husk on the floor.
To prepare a cocktail you will need:
- 2 parts cherry brandy
- 6 parts gin
- 2 parts lime juice
- 1 part grenadine
- 1 part Cointreau
- 1 part DOM Benedictine
- a drop of fragrant Angostura bitters
- 6 parts pineapple juice
Mix all ingredients in a shaker with ice, pour into a tall glass and enjoy your cocktail.
Daiquiri
The Cuban daiquiri cocktail is usually made with strawberries, but other bars and restaurants also have a variation of this cocktail with lime juice, grapefruit, orange and other juices. To make strawberry daiquiri at home, you will need:
- 4 parts white rum
- 1 part Cointreau
- 6 ripe strawberries
- 2 parts lime juice
- ½ teaspoon sugar
Place all ingredients in a blender, blend until smooth, add two ice cubes and blend again. The cocktail is ready!
Gene Fizz
Perhaps the gin fizz is one of the simplest cocktails. You will need:
- 3 parts gin
- 2 parts lime juice
- 1 part sugar syrup
- 4 parts soda
In a shaker, mix gin, sugar syrup and lime juice with ice, pour into a glass and add soda. Don't forget to garnish with lemon and cherry.
margarita
Again, the Latin American cocktail is popular in Thailand. In Phuket, in addition to the classic margarita with lime, you can try strawberry margarita. To prepare it you will need:
- 4 parts tequila
- 2 parts Triple Sec liqueur
- 4 parts lime juice
Mix all the ingredients in a shaker with ice, filter from the ice into a glass, the edges of which are decorated with salt.
Kamikaze
In many bars you can order this brand new cocktail. It is believed that it was invented at the end of the last century in America. For this cocktail you need:
- 1 part vodka
- 1 part Blue Curacao liqueur
- 1 part lime juice
In Thailand, this cocktail is often prepared in a blender, mixing ice with the main ingredients. The molding ice version is called On the Rocks.
Now you can arrange a Thai bar by the sea right at home. Stock up on music with the sound of the surf or. And enjoy!
Entertainment in Thailand- it is first of all entertainment in Pattaya. Once upon a time, Pattaya was a quiet cozy place. A small Thai settlement is located in a secluded fishing village. But everything changed during the Vietnam War. Over time, Pattaya ceased to be like itself: once a quiet secluded place was simply destroyed and turned into a garbage dump. European travel magazine often published very negative reviews about this place, painting in colors all the dirt and disease that rages in that area.
Well, let's omit the events of those years and see what was closer to the present. Over the past few years, there have been incredible changes to improve the appearance and service. And those who once poured mud on Pattaya now come here every year. The number of go-go bars, evening parties, pubs has grown, hotels and hotels have been adjusted to European standards. The competition in the entertainment sector is very high, so they will go to great lengths to attract customers.
Therefore, old Pattaya can only say "goodbye" and say hello to the new Pattaya - the world center of entertainment and sex tourism.
The historical tour is over - now let's get acquainted with some of Pattaya's nightlife and places where you can find them.
First, let's explain the basic terms that will help you navigate in nightlife in Thailand.
An open bar is a bar counter on the street.
An indoor bar is a bar counter and indoor seating.
Go-go bar - striptease bar.
Barfine - payment to the bar for picking up a girl.
Walking Street is a pedestrian street in Pattaya with the main concentration of bars and go-go bars, sex shows.
Carrot is a girl in Pattaya who is not particularly strict in her behavior.
Lady Drink - a drink for a girl in Pattaya, costs 100-200 baht, the girl usually gets half of its cost.
Mama-san - not a very young woman - is the head of the bar, she usually negotiates the price for how much you can rent a girl in Pattaya.
Room - a room for sex, there are many closed bars and some go-go bars.
Beach Road is a beach street that stretches along the beach in central Pattaya.
Soi 6 - lane number six with a large cluster of closed bars for short time (short time).
Hilton is the largest hotel in the center of Pattaya, the first 6 floors are occupied by the Central Festival shopping center.
Shot time (shorts) - sex in Pattaya until the first orgasm (your, not the girl).
Long time (long) - eat girls all night.
Blowjob bars and beer bars in Thailand.
Bars are the main type of nightlife in Pattaya. How many bars are there in Pattaya? Roughly speaking, there will be about 1000-2000 of them, and maybe even more. Therefore, your search for a place to drink beer, chat with one of the local sexy girls, or even secure her company for a longer time will not drag on for long.
Make sure first of all that everything will happen: 1. Without a condom 2. Not in a separate room (which you will otherwise have to pay for). Well, of course, you should ask about the price before you arrange a “cleansing” for your penis, otherwise the girl can get on well with you. And don't forget to check if she's a girl...
To pick up a girl in Pattaya from "her" bar, you need to pay the so-called bar fee. Usually this amount is about 300 baht. This amount will be added to your account if you decide to take the girl with you.
What you need to pay attention to - the girls in Pattaya, frankly, are excellent prostitutes and they serve not only men, but also women, couples and families.
And even if you are not looking for a female company or traveling as a couple or even a family, a night in Pattaya can also bring a lot of fun. Although the staff in the bars are consistently girls looking for someone to earn extra money, they are also very friendly to ordinary visitors (who will not leave a fee to the bar) who drop in to drink beer and chat with other visitors (they are, by the way, the majority).
To be honest, there aren't many places in Pattaya with a "blowjob bar" sign, so without knowing where to go, you can search for what you need for a long time. Where, then, to go in search of sex and nightlife in Pattaya? Where are the best girls of Pattaya waiting for you?
soi bj:
Yes, that's what it's officially called. The name is written on the state index plate for all to see. Let's take a walk down Walking Street and see what we have here.
Soi 13/4 (Soi Pattayaland .2.):
here is the largest concentration of go-go bars (sometimes this street is even called GoGo Street), but there are also beer bars here (in fact, they can be found anywhere in Pattaya).
soi. 13/3 Pattayaland 1. :
The Billion Bar is one of the best bars for sex entertainment in Pattaya. All the girls here look way above average. Their team is updated regularly, although the highest quality workers can stay here for 2 years. They can serve you both on the spot and in a separate room upstairs. The rooms are of course spartan, but extremely clean. But the quality of service covers all the shortcomings.
Soi 13/2 (Soi Post Office) Blow Job Bars —
this is the "Blow Job" street of all kinds, where most of the bars open around 2am. Condoms are usually not needed. Take a look at the bars "Pump Station", "Spricy", "Golden Girls" (they are next to each other) - in all you will be provided with exclusive blowjob services. The Pump Station has been around for a long time and is well known. Spricy is quite popular. However, do not relax - in these (and in many other) bars there are katois (transvestites, in other words).
Average prices for a blowjob: there are some differences in prices depending on the institution and the girl. 500-700 baht is the average price. For a room you will have to pay about 375 baht. But in most bars it is not necessary to take a separate room. 700 baht is the most. If you have nothing to be ashamed of, then agree to go to the sofa and enjoy. If education does not allow - rent a room. Give the girl a tip if you were very satisfied. About 100 baht. And don't settle for "with a condom"! What the hell are they even thinking?! And be sure to ask the standard question before the start - "How much?".
The advantage of blowjob bars is that you will be served even in public. Well, purely theoretically, girls are masters of their craft who will help you relax in a couple of minutes. Yes, and they have more than enough experience
A couple of quick hookup bars and Blow Job establishments where girls will give you oral gratification in separate bar rooms on the upper floors are located on Soi Post Office, or Soi 13/2.
Soi.8 and Soi.7 Beer Bar Street :
Very popular places for sex entertainment in Pattaya. The girls are sitting at the tables, you pick one up, you sit down. 300 baht - fee to the bar for using the services of his girlfriend, 1000 baht if you are with her for a long time. If you pay more, you overpay.
Soi.8 is located very close to the fun on the main sex symbol of Thailand - Walking Street, where there are also countless beer bars. Soi.8 will appeal to those who want to stay away from tourists and crowds. You don't have to look for them - they will find you.
Soi.7 is also a popular place in Pattaya. If you've already made it to Soi 8, why not check out Soi.7? They are not much different - the same prices, the same sex services, the same sex entertainment. But what if your beauty will sit and wait for you right there?
And so they have fun in the go-go bar -
Business in Thailand - 5 business ideas for foreigners + description of 4 legal forms + step-by-step registration process for a foreigner + 5 tips.
Increasingly, one can notice such a trend that our compatriots conquer foreign countries and open their business outside their homeland.
Moreover, the geography is vast - Europe, America and, of course, Asia.
And a prime example of the latter region is Thailand.
Thailand is the largest state on the Indochinese Peninsula, which is famous not only for its beautiful resorts and smiling people, but also for the global export of rice, black pearl mining and developed agriculture.
Business in Thailand for foreign citizens has many nuances and difficulties associated with various restrictions and features of registration of economic activity.
And you will learn about all this from our article.
Restrictions in Thai law on foreign investment
The laws in the Thai kingdom have always been quite nationalistic, which is the first restriction on the activities of non-residents.
But in recent years, the government has adopted a number of new reforms that have shown a more liberal attitude towards foreign investment.
Now foreign citizens can open their own business, but their share of ownership should not exceed 49% of the capital.
For the most part, this restriction applies to the types of activities that Thai residents must engage in.
In some cases, foreigners may also be owners of larger shares, but then the activity will be regulated by the Law on the implementation of commercial activities by foreigners.
Non-residents are also required to obtain a special business license.
The main features of opening and doing business by foreigners in Thailand:
- In this state, there are two main requirements for opening a business by a foreigner: the minimum authorized capital is 2,000,000 baht (approximately $65,000) and obtaining a business visa.
- To register a business, it is necessary to prepare a number of documents in Thai.
- The ratio of Thai and foreign workers in a company with foreign capital is 4:1.
Foreigners do not have the right to be owners of commercial real estate that can be used for production or office.
Therefore, it is necessary to look for long-term rental options here.
Business in Thailand has a number of restrictions on the conduct of some of its types by non-residents of the country:
| Prohibited for investment by foreign citizens | Have national security |
|---|---|
| rice cultivation; agriculture - growing plants and breeding animals; fishing; forestry; publication of newspapers; TV, radio broadcasting; land trade; the creation and casting of the Buddha; sale of antiques that have historical value; extraction of Thai medicinal herbs. | mining; production and sale of weapons; transportation of goods within the state; trade in Thai antiques and art objects; wood processing. |
Note: The listed types of business in Thailand can also be engaged in by non-residents of the country if their share in the capital is a maximum of 49% of the shares.
It is also worth noting that the Thai government is focused on foreign investors opening profitable enterprises that:
- increase the national competitiveness of their country;
- use scientific developments;
- help to save the environment;
- save resources and energy, etc.
5 business ideas in Thailand
The choice of a business idea in Thailand for a foreigner depends not only on economic benefits - profitability, quick payback and demand, but also on legislative restrictions.Vehicle rental
The amount of investment depends on your fleet.
The best option is to rent motorbikes.
Advantages: relatively small start-up capital, quick payback and demand among tourists.
But there is a risk of not returning the bike by the tenant, which will entail additional costs.
Bar-tavern
The option of opening a bar with several rooms is more profitable and reliable than if you open an independent institution.
According to statistics, 90% of restaurants, cafes and bars close in the first year of operation.
In the implementation of this idea, special attention should be paid to the staff, premises and place of the future institution.
Own import
Here you need to offer Thais and tourists familiar things that will have their own "zest".
Also, for the product, you need to create a certain image and think over the concept of the business.
"Russian" shop or restaurant
Since our compatriots constantly rest in Thailand, and many even stay there for several months a year, many have time to miss home cooking and familiar products.
The beauty of such a business is that you do not need to spend money on advertising, “word of mouth” will work here.
In addition, products and dishes will be sold at an inflated price, so the institution will be able to quickly pay off.
Kindergarten
This amazing idea is really in demand in the Thai kingdom.
An entrepreneur who decides to implement it needs to find a suitable premises, obtain a license and hire staff.
For parents who want to save money, mixed groups can be offered, and for those who are willing to pay more, it is necessary to open groups with children who speak certain languages.
Organizational and legal forms of doing business in Thailand
In Thailand, there are 4 main organizational and legal forms of enterprises:
- partnership;
- limited liability company;
- company representation;
- regional operating office.
Now let's look at each form in more detail:
- The partnership is presented in the form of three forms:
- unregistered;
- registered;
- with limited liability.
It should be noted that this form of doing business by foreigners is almost never chosen.
Unregistered partnership Registered partnership Limited Liability Partnership It is not a legal entity, as it is formed at the expense of at least 2 individuals who will work as partners. Is a legal entity. Is a legal entity. Each founder is taxed on income on an individual basis. The legal entity is subject to corporate income tax. The founders are fully responsible for the obligations of the partnership and for other partners within the business. The founders are responsible for the obligations of the partnership if it does not fulfill them. One partner has limited property liability (ie, within the limits of the invested capital), the other (main) partner has unlimited property liability. - Limited Liability Companies can be represented in two types:
- private;
- public.
For foreigners, the first type of companies is suitable, since shares can also be owned by non-residents of Thailand.
Private Joint Stock Company (Ltd) Public Joint Stock Company (Plc) The activity is regulated by the Civil and Commercial Codes of Thailand. The activities are regulated by the Law on Public Joint Stock Companies. Managed by the Board of Directors. However, it may not include shareholders of the company. Managed by the Board of Directors. They must be at least 5 people, of which half must be represented by Thais. The minimum number of founders is 3 people. Foreigners can be owners of shares if there are restrictions on the activities carried out by the state. The minimum number of founders is 15 people. They must all have held shares in the companies for at least 2 years. - dissemination of information about what the company does;
- search for goods and services for the main company;
- reporting on the results of activities;
- advising customers about the goods sold or the services provided;
Regional Operations Office (ROH) is engaged in providing services for the branches of the company.
Its powers are extremely limited and come down to the provision of the following services:
- technical;
- administrative;
- information support.
Company representation created for participation in some areas of activity, except for the implementation of trade.
To open it, you must submit an application and deposit a capital of a minimum amount of 3,000,000 baht. The representative office can engage in:
How to open a business in Thailand for a foreigner: a step-by-step process
A foreigner who wants to build a business in Thailand needs to know all the nuances associated with the registration procedure.So, the first thing you should pay attention to is:
- the cost of registering a company in Thailand is 35,000 baht (a little over $1,000)
- the size of the authorized capital - 2,000,000 baht.
The amount may be less, but then it will not be possible to obtain a work permit, moreover, this situation is fraught with fines. - The need to find 2 residents of Thailand who will own 51% of the shares.
After you have decided on the chosen direction, you can proceed to registration.
The main stages of registering a business in Thailand
Getting a business visa
To do this, you need to contact the Thai embassy in your country.
Search for six more founders of the company
These should be people you can trust.
As a rule, their participation is formal, because the Board of Directors can be headed by a non-resident, on whose initiative business activities are carried out.
Composition of the company name
At this stage of starting a business in Thailand, you need to come up with several names for your company.
After that, the registrar checks them for uniqueness, and if one of them is suitable, then reserves it for the company.
The invented name must be used within one month.
Drawing up the Agreement on the foundation of the company (signing the Memorandum of Association)
The agreement contains: the name of the company, its goals, the size of the authorized capital, data on the founders (7 people), data on shares.
It is registered with the Business Development Department.
At the same stage, it is necessary to pay a state fee for registration, and deposit at least 25% of the authorized capital.
Holding a meeting of shareholders
All founders must sign their shares, and transfer the company under the control of the Board of Directors.Applying for company registration
This must be done within three months from the date of the meeting of shareholders.
To do this, the founders submit:
- an extract from the bank stating that the authorized capital has been contributed;
- confirmation that all shares have been paid;
- founding documents.
The registration fee is calculated as follows: 500 baht for every 100,000 baht of capital.
Registration of a company with tax authorities
Within two months from the date of establishment of the company, it is necessary to apply to the tax authorities and obtain an ID number.
You will be required to open a corporate account.
Also, for the implementation of certain types of activities, it is necessary to obtain a license.
This applies to the opening of restaurants, cafes, beauty salons, SPA centers, kindergartens and other things.
For a complete list of licensed business areas in Thailand, it is better to consult a lawyer.
Interested in how to start a real estate business in Thailand?
Then this video is for you:
Interesting fact:
About 6,000 years ago, rice as a cultivated plant was bred in Thailand. And it is this country that is the largest exporter of rice in the world.
- Hire an interpreter who, firstly, will help overcome the language barrier, and secondly, will draw up the necessary documents in Thai.
- To eliminate the occurrence of incomprehensible moments, conclude such contracts, which will spell out the smallest details and details of cooperation.
First of all, you need to understand Thai society.
The difference in mentality can be a significant barrier.
Therefore, already at the first visit to the Thai kingdom, you do not need to immediately start dealing with the issue of starting a business.
Explore the Thai market.
What will be relevant in Russia or another country may not “take root” among Thais.
Again, mentality plays a role here.
Start your business in Thailand only with those you are sure of.
Thais are quite smart people, and their main advantage over you is that they are local.
They can not be called dishonest, but still you may encounter unscrupulous people.
Business in Thailand for a foreigner - it is difficult, but possible.
In any case, new opportunities will open up for you in terms of developing your entrepreneurial nature, because if you can overcome all difficulties, then you will certainly succeed.
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There is also a lot of it. Moreover, at fairly low prices and very high quality, thanks to which lovers of “tasting a bottle” on vacation, arriving in Thailand, do not feel disadvantaged and start “tasting” local alcoholic beverages, including beer, right at Suvarnabhumi Airport. Below in the article I will talk about alcohol in Thailand, which are drunk by Thais themselves and foreign tourists, I will announce the prices for alcoholic drinks in Thailand in 2014 and give some of my own assessments of Thai alcoholic drinks that I managed to taste recently. As usual, I’ll start with low-alcohol drinks, gradually “raising the degree” of the story :).
THE CONTENT OF THE ARTICLE (click on the link for a quick jump)
Alcohol in Thailand: features of consumption and sale
The availability of alcohol in Thailand even for local residents and a large number of tourists have led to the fact that the Kingdom is among the world's top five leaders in alcohol consumption per capita. True, it is worth noting that alcoholic beverages in Thailand are not consumed equally evenly. Thus, the share of the southern provinces of the country, where the Muslim population predominates, accounts for no more than 8% of the amount of alcohol consumed annually. And vice versa: in the north of the country, where predominantly Buddhists live and it is quite cold (by Thai standards) in winter at night, local residents drink many times more.
Of course, a huge amount of alcohol is drunk in the popular resorts of Thailand, where the most favorable conditions are created for this. Even people who practically do not drink alcohol in everyday life in Thailand often cannot resist the temptation to try local alcohol of varying degrees of strength, despite the fact that you can enjoy your vacation in this country and experience a feeling of light euphoria even when sober.
In accordance with local law, the sale of alcohol in Thailand is limited. So, officially there is a ban on the sale of alcohol from 00.00 (midnight) to 11.00 in the morning, as well as in the daytime - from 14.00 to 17.00. It should be noted here that such prohibitions are not strictly observed everywhere. More strictly - in Bangkok and in non-tourist areas. In the resorts, everything is more liberal, so if you have a strong desire to drink alcohol purchased in a store, there is always a chance that it will be sold to you at any time of the day or night, you don’t even have to look for it :). Although on my previous trip I “hit” the elections, they didn’t even sell beer until midnight.
Also, the sale of alcohol is completely banned on some important public holidays, such as the birthday of the King or Queen, etc. The ban on the sale of alcohol in Thailand is often announced on the days of elections to various government bodies. What to do if you want to drink, but do not sell? First, there are many bars at your service. Secondly, the minimum set of alcohol in Thailand is usually contained in the mini-bar of the hotel room. Thirdly, so that such a situation does not initially arise, one should remember major holidays in Thailand, at the same time and study the culture of the country.
By law, alcohol is not sold in stores near schools, temples, especially mosques, and gas station stores. It should also be remembered that the sale of alcohol in Thailand is allowed only to persons over the age of 20 years. However, such a restriction does not particularly apply to tourists, so even school graduates and first-year students can be sure that they will not be left without alcohol, and it is up to them to decide whether to drink or not to drink.
Low alcohol spirits in Thailand
The main and most popular among both tourists and locals is a low-alcohol drink - Thai beer, which has a pleasant taste, refreshes well and quenches thirst. Since there is already a separate article about this drink on the site, I will not dwell on this point in detail.
A very popular drink is the Bacardi Breezer cocktail, which, as the name implies, is made on the basis of the famous rum. This cocktail occupies the second most popular place in the world (second only to Smirnoff Ice), but I personally have the opinion that in Thailand Bacardi Breezer has no competitors in its segment, since it is drunk in any bar and shop and Breezer can be found in the mini bar of the hotel room, although there may be exceptions.
There are various flavors (orange, lime, grapefruit, grapes), while the volume of the bottle is small - only 0.33 liters. The price is from 35 baht in shops to 200 baht in popular clubs. AT club Insomnia in Pattaya, where I sometimes ordered this alcohol in Thailand for myself and a friend, the price is 185 baht (2014). Less often, but still, you can find other low-alcohol cocktails: Spy, the same Smirnoff Ice, as well as Ginger and Nite. The prices are about the same, I can’t say about the taste, because I haven’t tried them in Thailand.
A fairly popular low-alcohol drink in Thailand is Siam Sato rice wine. Sold in two varieties: bottles of 0.7 liters with a strength of 8% and bottles of 0.25 liters with a strength of 5%. More often you can find the first option - large bottles, usually sold in departments with beer. Therefore, when I first bought Siam Sato, I did not even know that it was wine (I thought it was strong beer) and I was very surprised by the taste. Taste, I must say, for an amateur. Reminiscent of something between cider and champagne, only with less bubbles.
Despite the good snack, I hardly finished the big bottle, and I didn’t even want to buy and try the small one after, although I read somewhere later that it tastes better, especially with ice. By the way, the 7Eleven chain stores usually sell only large bottles of Siam Sato, and it is better to look for small ones in large supermarkets - Tesco Lotus, Big-C, etc. Despite its strength, rice wine is somehow cheaper than beer. If my memory serves me right, for 0.7 liters they ask for only 35 baht, and for a small one - from 22 to 25 baht.
Such alcohol in Thailand as grape wine is not very popular with local residents, because the culture of winemaking originated in the country just over 30 years ago, and the first Thai wine appeared on sale in 1995 under the Chateau de Loei brand. Therefore, more often in stores you can find not local, but imported wine from Chile, New Zealand, Australia, and European countries. The minimum price for a bottle in a supermarket is 200-300 baht. The cost of aged wine from well-known world producers reaches 1000-1500 baht per bottle. Thai wine is presented in the country's supermarkets mainly from Siam Winery, which owns a large number of vineyards in the Hua Hin area.
You can also find fruit and berry wines under the Fresco brand in supermarkets, which have already won several international medals for their unusual taste and aroma. In general, winemaking in the country is developing rapidly, so many of those who “turned up their noses” from Thai wine 10 years ago admit that today it has become much better and more palatable. Among the most recommended brands of Thai wines are Mont Clair, Peter Vella and Kookaburra, produced under the supervision of European winemakers.
Strong alcohol in Thailand
All hard liquor drinkers in Thailand who prefer established brands such as Jack Daniels, Johnny Walker, Chivas Regal, etc. they can be calm: all this and much more is available and at prices that are not too high even compared to Duty Free, and you can buy or order these drinks in almost every store and bar. However, the article is primarily about Thai alcohol in Thailand, so I will dwell on it in more detail, going through the most interesting local brands from my point of view.
Sang Som - Thai Rum #1
Legendary Thai rum. It is no coincidence that I put it in first place on the list, since the drink is the most popular local spirit among tourists according to statistics, as well as in my personal rating. Sang Som is made from Thai sugar cane and has a strength of 40%. This alcohol in Thailand has many international medals and is exported to two dozen countries. To all those who do not like rum, I still advise you to try this drink, since the taste of even undiluted Sang Som is very pleasant: the drink is surprisingly soft and has a pleasant aftertaste.
Personally, I am not a fan of diluting strong drinks with cola or other drinks, so I always drink Sang Som in its pure form. It was not by chance that I used the word “consume”, because I brought home 5 bottles of this drink from my last trip and sometimes I “treat” it at home, skipping a couple of glasses, remembering Thailand and planning my next trip there :). On the other hand, many people drink Sang Som in cocktails, diluted with cola and
Even at numerous beach parties, including Full Moon Party on Koh Phangan it is this rum that is the main component of the famous “alcohol buckets”. On the Internet, you can find information everywhere that the cost of a small bottle of Sang Som (0.37 l in the form of a flat flask) is 130-140 baht in 7Eleven stores. In reality, in 2014, everything is a little different: now Sang Som rum costs 155 baht at 7Eleven and Family Mart, and for 130 baht a similar bottle can only be bought in large supermarkets, for example, Tesco Lotus and smaller stores of this network.
As a gift or souvenir from Thailand, it is better to buy a large bottle of Sang Som with a volume of 0.7 liters. The price will be comparable to two small ones, while you additionally get a beautiful gift box. In addition to the white label drink (Sang Som Gold), there is also a black label Sang Som Premium variety on sale, which seems to have been aged for 5 years in oak barrels. IMHO, the taste is the same, so I see no reason to overpay.
Mekhong Whiskey Mekong Whiskey
A drink named after one of the largest rivers in the country. Sold as Sang Som in small flat bottles and 0.7 liter bottles in boxes. Easily recognizable by the bright yellow label with "Mekong" written in red. Sometimes you can find this alcohol in Thailand without Latin inscriptions, but it’s also easy to recognize everything by the yellow label and the red diagonal inscription in Thai (sometimes the label is not yellow, but beige or light brown).
Despite the fact that Mekong is whiskey, it tastes more like classic rum than Sang Som, because it is made from sugarcane molasses (95%) and Thai rice (5%). The manufacturer claims that a mixture of Thai medicinal herbs, spices and plant roots is also added to the composition, the recipe of which is kept in the strictest confidence. The alcohol content of Mekong whiskey is 35%. Compared to the rum described above, the taste of Mekong whiskey, in my opinion, is worse, more harsh.
After drinking another glass, you want to quickly drink something pleasant, so it’s better to dilute it with the same cola. Despite the long history (first released in 1941) and the love of the Thais themselves, the brand, which was the most popular in the country for a long time, gradually lost its position, and from 2010 to 2011 it was not produced at all until the sale of production and the brand to a new owner. Personally, I didn’t like this whiskey, I bought it once and I don’t have such a desire anymore, but everyone has different tastes, so you can try it, it costs less than Sang Som.
Hong Thong Whiskey
Quite popular among locals is alcohol in Thailand, which goes well with cola or is drunk with a good snack. Like Mekong whiskey, Hong Tong is inferior in taste to Sang Som rum and is a "harder" drink. However, the popularity of the drink is quite high and I think it's not just a matter of a slightly lower cost than the price of Sang Som rum and alcohol of foreign brands.
The strength of Hong Thong is 35%, and the drink is sold in flat small bottles and standard bottles of 0.7 liters with a light beige label on which the name is written in large red letters. Large bottles are sold in red gift boxes. Unlike the Mekong, I bought and consumed Hong Tong whiskey several times, having previously cooled it in the hotel refrigerator (warm seemed disgusting). But I didn’t take Hong Thong home, maybe next time I’ll take it as a souvenir.
Sang Thip Whiskey
Whiskey Sang Tip seems to be created in order to "disappear" in Thailand as cheaply as possible. If my memory serves me, this brand of alcohol in Thailand costs less than 100 baht for a small flat bottle with a black label, on which the name of the drink is written on a diagonal red stripe. Do not confuse with Sang Som Premium, the labels are visually similar! There is an opinion that the use of Sang Type whiskey threatens with the fact that at some point in the feast, the drinker of this drink begins to have memory problems, i.e. in the morning he does not remember well what he did the day before.
I didn’t experience this phenomenon, but I didn’t drink too much either. As in the case of Mekong whiskey, there was no desire to buy a second time, and even more so to bring this alcoholic drink home. By the way, in Thai shops and supermarkets you can find other strong alcoholic drinks at a price of less than 100 baht. I tried one of them for the sake of experiment (with a green label and an inscription in Thai), but the taste did not impress, rather the opposite. Therefore, I think that I will not be mistaken when I write that all drinks of this price category do not have a pleasant taste.
Lao Khao Whiskey - Thai moonshine
It is impossible not to mention this “legendary” variety in an article about alcohol in Thailand, for the manufacture of which Thai rice wine is used. Those. Lao Khao is a product of the distillation of rice wine into whiskey. The drink is something like moonshine and has the appropriate taste, so you probably won’t be able to try it in tourist bars. In other words, Lao Khao is alcohol in Thailand, which is in demand among the lower strata of the population who abuse alcohol. Therefore, if you ask to sell you a bottle of Lao Khao in a store, the seller will be very surprised and will look at you suspiciously.
Lao Khao is sold in bottles similar to beer bottles: small ones with a volume of 0.33 liters, large ones - 0.625 liters. Since all the inscriptions there are in Thai, you can remember that Lao Khao with a red or yellow label has a strength of only 28%. Lao Khao with green and pink labels are respectively 30% and 35% ABV. The strongest variety of Lao Khao is the one that is bottled with a blue (or blue) label - 40%.
Also, if there are several varieties of Lao Khao in the store, the strongest one can be determined at a higher price. A very popular souvenir from Thailand is a bottle of local whiskey infused with a representative of the local fauna: spiders, scorpions, snakes, etc. I have not tried such drinks yet, but I have repeatedly heard that Lao Khao is taken as the basis for their preparation, as the cheapest possible one.
These are far from all types of alcohol in Thailand, but I have listed the most famous and popular alcoholic drinks that give an idea of the country's alcohol market. I would also like to remind you that my tastes may differ significantly from yours and what I liked may not necessarily please you and vice versa. Therefore, I recommend trying different alcohol in Thailand and choosing the one that you personally like in the future. I wish you a pleasant stay without a hangover!
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