Thai Beer

If you’re looking for some refreshments in Thailand, there are many different Thai beer options to consider. But when it comes to choosing the best option, there’s really only one brew to pick: lager. Even though there’s been a failed attempt to sway drinkers to the deep, malty world of darker beers, lager still reigns supreme. So, if you’re ready to sip on some cold ones, check out our guide to the top lagers you can find in Thailand.

An important point about beer etiquette in Thailand is that it is common to take the ice with your beer. While die-hard beer fans may claim this is sacrilege, once you have been out here for a while you actually start to insist on it, especially if you’ve taken to drinking from the huge bottles that are usually served. By the time you get to your last glass, the temperature of your once ice-cold beverage is anything but.

Which Thai Beer Is Worth Trying?

While there are numerous Thai beer brands, some have gained popularity due to their unique flavors and superior quality. Singha and Chang beer are the two most popular Thai beer brands that have made their way into the international market. Another beer brand that you should try when visiting Thailand is Leo Beer, which is known for its mild, crisp taste.

Singha

Type: lager, 100% barley malt

Average price: 90-150 THB for a 640 ml bottle in a bar

Looking for a refreshing and delicious beer to try? Look no further than Singha beer! Singha (pronounced Sing) is one of the most popular of all Thai beers, especially amongst ex-pats and holidaymakers who often walk around unashamedly sporting the brand’s logo on their Thai-bought t-shirts. A truly Asian beer, Singha was established in 1933 and still proudly promotes the motto: ‘Singha beer, Thai beer’.

This pale lager is brewed using only the finest ingredients, including 100% barley malt, European hops, and artesian water. With a rich golden color and full-bodied flavor, it’s no wonder this beer has gained popularity in over 50 countries worldwide. Whether you’re a fan of the standard 5% ABV or prefer a lighter 3.8% version, Singha beer is sure to quench your thirst. And with convenient options like bottles, cans, and on tap, you can enjoy it wherever and however you please. Give Singha beer a try and see why it’s become a favorite among beer enthusiasts everywhere!

With its bold and refreshing flavor, Singha beer was made for pairing with hearty meats like beef, chicken, duck, and lamb. Not to mention, it also complements the meaty and oily flavors of fish and shellfish. If you’re feeling adventurous, try pairing this Thai classic with some cured meats or nuts for an unexpected twist. And of course, no beer is complete without the perfect glassware – reach for a pint glass, stein, or even a snifter to truly savor the flavors of Singha.

Chang

Type: lager

Average price: 80-120 THB for a 640 ml bottle in a bar

Chang, which means elephant, was the first beer to enjoy widespread recognition in Thailand. Like Singha, the Chang brand is also very popular with tourists and every beach resort in Thailand sells a tonne of elephant-adorned fake merchandise every holiday season.

It caters to the budget end of the Thai beer market, and although the official alcohol content is 6.4 percent, it is widely accepted that this can vary dramatically from bottle to bottle, with some heavyweight pints coming in at as much as nine percent.

Drinking too much Chang can, therefore, often leave you a bit merrier than you planned, although the stinking hangover the next day will soon knock that out of you. In true ‘hair of the dog fashion, however, a Chang and lemonade shandy is a popular Thai hangover cure.

Leo

Type: lager, made with Thai rice, German hops, Australian spring barley, and artesian water

Average price: 80-140 THB for a 640 ml bottle in a bar

Another well-loved and well-known favorite is Leo Beer, which is an American-style larger often found alongside Chang and Singha in Thai bars. Like picking the second bottle down on the wine list, Leo is a safe bet, sitting in the mid-priced range and at 5.5 percent.

It is probably the most similar of all Thai beers to those pilsners of mainstream Europe and America, so many long-serving ex-pats have made this their beer of choice. When ordering this one, however, be sure to pronounce each syllable of the name very deliberately, as for some reason it often gets lost in translation.

Kloster

Type: pale lager

Kloster Beer – a sweet and satisfying brew with a relatively strong malt flavor that never fails to tantalize the taste buds. Despite being made in Thailand, the beer adheres to strict German standards and undergoes rigorous scrutiny under the watchful eye of Kloster Brauerei. This delectable pale ale is brewed by the esteemed Boon Rawd Brewery and can be easily found in the bustling bars and restaurants of city centers. So if you’re looking for a tasty and refreshing beer to enjoy with friends, look no further than Kloster Beer!

Red Horse

Type: extra-strong lager

Red Horse is one for the serious budget drinker. Their huge bottles put all other Thai beers to shame, and with 8% alcohol content, it really is a bargain if you plan to get sloshed quickly. Unlike its European equivalents, such as Special Brew, for example, Red Horse does actually taste pretty good, however. It is also one of the most popular beers in the Philippines.

Archa

Type:

Average price:
For those more used to sensible alcohol content, the new kid on the block Archa could be the beer for you. It is fairly cheap and is only 5.4 percent – very modest for a Thai beer. It has a bitter taste and can be found in most supermarkets, although it is not always readily available in bars.

Other beers available from supermarkets include Kloster, Amarit NB, and Singha Gold, although it is rare that you will find anything other than those listed above in the local bars and clubs. Tiger, Heineken, Blue Ice, and Carlsberg are also brewed in Thailand, and imported bottles of Miller can be found in certain places but for extremely high prices.

Thai Beer Market

When it comes to beer, the competition in Thailand is fierce. Three colossal companies reign supreme in the Thai beer market, leaving little room for newcomers. We have the legendary Boon Rawd Brewery Company, towering high atop the industry with a staggering 70% hold on the market share. Then there’s Thai Beverage, which confidently boasts its 25% piece of the pie. Last but not least, Thai Asia Pacific tries to clinch the remaining slice, valiantly fighting to secure a spot amongst the titans. Welcome to the Thai beer market, where there’s never a dull moment!

Don’t be surprised if you see a price difference between global beer names and those made in Thailand. You’ll be happy to learn that local labels remain budget-friendly, with prices typically ranging from 35 to 45 baht (roughly $1.00) for a 12-ounce glass or can. For larger sizes that clock in at 550-600 milliliters, expect to fork over about 60 to 80 baht. Quench your thirst without breaking the bank with these tasty Thai options!

Pairing Thai Beer with Thai Food

Thai cuisine is known for its complex flavors and spices. And, what’s better than pairing your favorite beer with your favorite Thai dish? When it comes to pairing, Singha beer goes best with spicy food, thanks to its refreshing taste that cools down the heat from spices. Chang beer is a great option to pair with meals that include seafood, salads, and appetizers. Leo beer, on the other hand, is an all-around beer that pairs well with virtually any Thai dish. 

Beer Festivals in Thailand

Thailand is home to some of the world’s most exciting beer festivals, offering tantalizing tastes, infectious rhythms, and new experiences to all who attend. The “World Trade Center Beer Garden” in Bangkok, one of the largest beer festivals in Thailand, is a must-visit for beer enthusiasts from all over. But it’s not the only great event – there’s the “Phuket International Beer Fest” during Songkran, where people travel from all corners of the globe to revel in beer styles from around the world. And now, there’s a new kid on the block – the wildly successful Beer People Festival, which premiered in Bangkok in March 2023.

But the fun doesn’t stop there! The Thailand Brew Fest and Beer Days are also highly recommended for those looking to quench their thirst for all things beer. So grab your friends, put on your dancing shoes, and let the good times roll at Thailand’s unbeatable beer festivals.