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/craft beer in Thailand

=Craft Beer in Thailand= Beer is hugely popular in Thailand and has been enjoyed there for a long time. Thai people prefer light and refreshing beers, which they often enjoy with spicy and flavorful Thai food. Young people in Thailand are also increasingly interested in specialty beers with unique flavors.

Market Trends
Thailand's beer market is dominated by lagers, accounting for 99% of the market. Singha, Leo, Chang, and Heineken are among the most popular brands. The remaining 1% is made up of Thai craft beers, with around 50-60 brands, and international or super premium beers, with over 100 brands available. Most local lagers have an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 5%.

Premium and craft beers are becoming increasingly popular in Thailand's beer industry. Customers are willing to pay more for unique, high-quality beer as the middle class expands and the economy grows. The trend is also influenced by the popularity of social media, as consumers enjoy sharing their experiences with trendy products.

Although the craft beer market in Thailand is growing noticeably, strict alcohol regulations lead to higher prices and limited variety compared to what could be produced. On the other hand, mass-produced breweries can produce beer in large quantities at lower prices. As a result, for casual beer drinkers, lager beers are more popular.

Craft Beer Regulations in Thailand
At present, Thai craft beers hold a relatively small share of the overall market. This is largely due to regulatory challenges that make it difficult for small brewers to produce their craft beers in Thailand.

- At least 51% of issued shares must be held by Thai nationals.

- Brewers must have registered capital of at least Baht 10 million.

- Large scale brewers must have a production capacity of at least 10 million liters per year.

- Small scale brewers producing for sale in their own outlets (e.g. brewpubs) should have a production capacity of not less than 100,000 liters per year but not more than 1,000,000.

The Committee is responsible for overseeing the monitoring and surveillance of alcohol activities in Thailand. Its controls extend to the following areas:

- Control on accessibility and purchase is limiting the time for the sale of alcohol to only during 11.00-14.00 and 17.00 -24.00 hrs. The age of buyers and drinkers must be at least 18 and alcohol is banned from being sold in certain places such as educational institutes, temples, and gas service stations.

- The measure to limit drinking prohibits alcohol to be sold to those who are drunk and prohibits those under 20 years of age to enter entertainment venues.

- The measure to reduce accidents prohibits driving while intoxicated and the penalties have been increased.

- The campaign measure stipulates that alcohol is a food that must have a warning label and alcohol is banned from being sold on important Buddhist holidays. Further, there is a total ban on alcohol advertisements.

Therefore, many microbrewers opt to have their beers produced outside Thailand and then import them back for sale in the country. To remain competitive, Thai craft beers are largely manufactured in countries that have Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with Thailand, such as ASEAN, China, and South Korea, where high import duties are either exempted or reduced. However, for those produced in countries without an FTA with Thailand, importing them back incurs a 60% import duty, resulting in costs similar to other international brands.

Recommended Thai Craft Beer Brands
1. Full Moon's Chalawan Pale Ale

Named after the legendary Thai crocodile king, strikes a harmonious balance between bitterness and sweetness, making it a delightful and approachable pale ale. Brewed by Full Moon brewery in Phuket, this beer is part of their renowned lineup of Thai craft brews. Full Moon has been at the forefront of Thailand's craft beer movement, with Chalawan earning the prestigious gold medal at the 2016 World Beer Awards.

2. Happy New Beer's Pilsner Brewed with a head brewer known for his generous use of hops and local mineral water, offers a refreshing taste that can be enjoyed year-round. Originally brewed in Khao Yai, this pilsner combines traditional flavor with hints of tropical fruit, creating a uniquely refreshing experience. Another standout from Happy New Beer is their Grapefruit New England IPA, which is equally invigorating.

3. Sandport's Broken Sword Red Ale This brand is part of their lineup described as "the fellowship of beer," created by a group of friends who are passionate about beer and rock music. Starting as an underground operation, Sandport has grown into one of Thailand's prominent beer brands. Their Bang Bang IPA even won a bronze medal at the 2017 Australian International Beer Awards. Another popular choice from Sandport is the Broken Sword Red Ale, an imperial red ale infused with the color and aroma of roselle flower, offering a unique and exciting drinking experience.

4. 72 Brewing Co Founded by Third Yookongsak after gaining experience at breweries abroad, offers innovative craft beers that are making waves in the craft beer scene. One of their standout creations is the In Between Sour Pale Ale, brewed with beets, Chiang Mai strawberry puree, and yoghurt lactose powder, promising a unique and flavorful experience. For those looking for something even more adventurous, the Sour Diesel stout is a must-try, infused with sea salt, cacao nibs, raspberry, cherry, Madagascar bourbon vanilla, and cold brew, delivering a truly explosive flavor profile.

5. Mahanakhon Brewery's White Ale The brand offers a more traditional taste compared to some of the more adventurous craft beers. This smooth, cloudy witbier closely resembles Belgian wheat beers, providing a refreshing and crisp option. Particularly suitable for Bangkok's hot and humid weather, this beer has gained popularity for its drinkability. Mahanakhon White Ale received recognition at the World Beer Awards in 2017 and is now increasingly available in supermarkets and bars throughout the city.

6. Devanom Ippo Pale Ale Created by the Ungsriwong brothers, is hailed as Thailand's best IPA, showcasing their significant role in the Thai craft beer scene. The brothers are known for their efforts to incorporate hops from their farm in Nonthaburi, resulting in well-balanced beers with a distinct woody, vanilla, and coffee finish.

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