Thailand, the paradise for travelers at home and abroad, is famous for some of the best and cheapest beer in Southeast Asia. Nothing is better than sunbathing in Koh Samui or Koh Phi Phi heat with a glass of iced Thai beer. Originally introduced by the Europeans, Thais have been brewing their own beer since 1933.
The big local brands of beer in Thailand: Singha, Leo and Chang, have got the largest market share. You can also find imported beer in restaurants, but the above three Thai beer is the favourite for locals and tourists.
There is really heated competition in Thai beer market and it’s quite common for you to find someone in a T-shirt promoting one of the big brands on the street. Beer lovers in Thailand just support what they are fond of, and they like arguing the slim differences between those brands.
Handmade beer is trying to gain a foothold in Thailand, but strict laws and severe penalties for home brewing are terminating the industry. In 2016, the law became even tougher on alcohol, a continuing trend since the change of regime in Thailand.
Useful tip: Don't be surprised at a glass of ice served with your Thai beer. It's common in Thailand, particularly in the Southeast Asian heat. Local beer drinkers enjoy sharing large bottles while they don't keep cold long.
Singha, whose name comes from the Sanskrit word for ‘Lion’, holds the title of Thailand’s first beer and is likely the most recognized Thai beer internationally. Partnerships with Manchester United and Chelsea Football Clubs and the F1 Red Bull Team have contributed to boost its international fame, but equally its distinctive flavour and relatively high alcohol content also matter. Singha has a bold malty taste that makes it a perfect match for local dishes like massaman curry. It pairs nicely with salty, strongly seasoned foods, but it’s also one of the easiest Thai beers to enjoy on its own.
Here’s something worth noting about Singha: it’s a relatively strong lager. Although its alcohol content has dropped from a bold 6% ABV to a more standard 5%, it still packs more punch than the typical 3–4% lagers found in many other countries. Meanwhile, Singha is often a bit more expensive than the other two brands in Thailand. Maybe that's the reason travelers with limited budget will prefer Leo or Chang.
Singha is made by: Boon Rawd Brewery, Bangkok while its price in Thailand: at 7/11 - THB 50 (for 330 ml); at bars - THB 60-120.
3 Top Thai Beer
Chang means "elephant" in Thai. Chang beer, often seen as Singha’s main rival, is a top choice for budget-conscious travelers exploring Thailand. It doesn’t have any extraordinary taste, aroma or colour that make it ‘stand out’, but its low price really attracts people to choose it over Singha. Chang beer is comparable to Singha in terms of strength, but it’s characterized by a much more traditional lager taste, similar to Tiger, Budweiser and Tsingtao. Lighter than Singha, this easy-drinking beer is ideal for cooling off on a bright, sunny day. This can also make it more refreshing than Singha when enjoying a particularly spicy dish, and probably also makes it more suitable to fish and other sea food, where you don’t want to overwhelmingly cover the flavour of the food with the flavour of the beer.
Many travelers even preferred Chang beer over others due to its previous high ABV percentage. After some quality control, the Chang Classic beer today has an ABV of 5.2 per cent. For some reason, we’ve found that a few restaurants only stock Chang beer in large bottles, and not Singha, so chances are that you’ll find yourself tasting it at some point even if you prefer Singha.
Chang beer is made by: Thai Beverages (ThaiBev), Bangkok while its price in Thailand: at 7/11 - THB 40 (for 330 ml); at bars - THB 50-100.
Produced by the same parent company as Singha, Leo is a mid-range Thai beer popular among a lot of locals and tourists. Leo has a mild fruity taste that isn’t particularly unique, but its price falls comfortably between Chang and Singha. With an ABV of 5%, it shares the same 'lion' meaning as Singha and serves as a more budget-friendly alternative from the same brewery.
When Chang had the reputation of giving major hangovers, travelers turned to Leo for the promise of better quality.
Leo is made by Boon Rawd Brewery, Bangkok while its price in Thailand: at 7/11 - THB 45 (for 330 ml); at bars - THB 60-100 (INR 130 - INR 210 for 330 ml).
Phuket Beer is a local craft beer brand originating from the popular island destination Phuket. It is gaining popularity for its refreshing taste and tropical vibe. Brewed with local ingredients, Phuket Beer aims to combine traditional brewing with the relaxed spirit of the island lifestyle. Though smaller in scale compared to Singha or Chang, Phuket Beer is becoming a favorite among tourists seeking a distinctive local brew with a crisp, easy-to-drink profile perfect for the beach.
Phuket Beer is made by: Phuket Beer Co., Phuket while its price in Thailand: at 7/11 - THB 55 (for 330 ml); at bars - THB 80-130.
Although an imported brand, Budweiser has found a strong foothold in Thailand, especially in urban areas and among tourists. Known worldwide as the “King of Beers,” Budweiser’s clean, light taste complements the Thai heat and spicy food well. While it’s more expensive than local beers, Budweiser offers a recognizable international brand for those who prefer a familiar beer during their travels in Thailand.
Budweiser is made by: AB InBev (imported) while its price in Thailand: at 7/11 - THB 60 (for 330 ml); at bars - THB 90-150.
Thai Amarit is a less well-known but quality lager that has its roots in Thailand’s brewing scene. It is a product of the Thai Amarit Brewery and offers a smooth, light flavor with moderate bitterness. Thai Amarit is gaining traction among Thai locals who are looking for an alternative to the mainstream brands. While not widely exported, it is a solid choice if you want to try something authentically Thai and off the beaten path.
Leo Beer
Thai Amarit is made by: Thai Amarit Brewery, Bangkok while its price in Thailand: at 7/11 - THB 42 (for 330 ml); at bars - THB 60-90.
Archa is a local Thai beer brand that caters more to the budget-conscious consumer. Known for its affordable price and light flavor, Archa is a lager that is easy to drink but often considered less refined than Singha or Leo. It’s commonly found in convenience stores and is popular in the northern parts of Thailand where local tastes can be a bit different. If you are looking for a no-frills, inexpensive beer, Archa fits the bill.
Archa is made by: ThaiBev, Bangkok while its price in Thailand: at 7/11 - THB 35 (for 330 ml); at bars - THB 50-80.
Tiger Beer, originally from Singapore, is widely available in Thailand and has a loyal fan base. Known for its crisp, balanced flavor and moderate bitterness, Tiger Beer complements the hot climate well. Its reputation as a quality Asian lager has made it a favorite in bars and restaurants across Thailand, especially in tourist-heavy areas. Though imported, Tiger Beer blends seamlessly into the Thai beer scene.
Tiger Beer is made by: Heineken Asia Pacific (imported) while its price in Thailand: at 7/11 - THB 55 (for 330 ml); at bars - THB 80-130.
Cheers is also a lesser-known local beer brand that is starting to make waves among young drinkers in Thailand. It markets itself as a trendy, approachable beer that fits well with the modern urban lifestyle. Cheers offers light, refreshing beer options with easy drinking profiles, ideal for social gatherings and casual drinking in the city. While not as widespread as the big names, it’s worth trying if you want to explore local Thai beer diversity.
Cheers is made by: ThaiBev, Bangkok while its price in Thailand: at 7/11 - THB 38 (for 330 ml); at bars - THB 55-90.
Heineken, a Dutch global beer giant, is very popular in Thailand among both locals and tourists. It is imported and slightly pricier than local brands but is appreciated for its clean, slightly bitter taste and smooth finish. Heineken is a common sight in nightclubs, upscale bars, and restaurants. Its green bottle and red star logo are familiar symbols of international beer quality, making it a go-to choice for those craving a recognizable brand.
Heineken is made by: Heineken N.V. (imported) while its price in Thailand: at 7/11 - THB 60 (for 330 ml); at bars - THB 90-150.
Kloster Beer is a Thai craft beer brand that offers a great alternative to the traditional mass-produced beers in Thailand. Brewed with a German-style approach, Kloster aims to deliver richer flavors and higher-quality ingredients. It is popular among beer enthusiasts who prefer fuller-bodied lagers and ales. Though still growing in popularity, Kloster represents the emerging craft beer culture in Thailand, appealing to both locals and visitors eager to try something different from the mainstream.
Kloster is made by: Thai Amarit Brewery, Bangkok while its price in Thailand: at 7/11 - THB 50 (for 330 ml); at bars - THB 70-110.
Amarit Beer is a local Thai lager known for its light, easy-drinking profile. Produced by the Thai Amarit Brewery, this beer balances mild bitterness with subtle malt sweetness, making it a pleasant companion to spicy Thai dishes. While not as internationally recognized as Singha or Chang, Amarit offers good value and is a solid choice for those wanting to explore more regional Thai beer options.
Amarit Beer is made by: Thai Amarit Brewery, Bangkok while its price in Thailand: at 7/11 - THB 45 (for 330 ml); at bars - THB 60-90.
Beer Chang
Beer Bridge is a craft brewery in Thailand that symbolizes the country’s growing craft beer movement. Known for creative brews and experimentation, Beer Bridge offers a variety of beer styles including IPAs, stouts, and seasonal specials. It serves as a bridge between traditional Thai beer culture and the global craft beer scene. If you visit their taproom or bars carrying their beers, expect to find bold flavors and innovative brewing techniques.
Beer Bridge is made by: Beer Bridge (craft brewery, Bangkok) while its price in Thailand: not widely available at 7/11; at bars - THB 100-180.
Devanom is an artisanal brewery known for producing specialty beers with exceptional flavor profiles. The brand is part of Thailand’s emerging craft beer scene and emphasizes small-batch brewing and natural ingredients. Devanom appeals to beer lovers who appreciate creativity and craftsmanship in their drinks. Its limited availability makes it a sought-after beer for enthusiasts exploring Thailand’s diverse beer offerings.
Devanom is made by: Devanom Brewery while its price in Thailand: not widely available at 7/11; at bars - THB 120-200.
Outlaw Brewing is another notable player in Thailand’s craft beer market. Emphasizing bold and distinctive beer styles, Outlaw Brewing produces IPAs, pale ales, and other styles with a modern twist. Its branding and marketing cater to younger drinkers who seek alternatives to the mainstream lagers dominating Thailand’s beer shelves. Outlaw is an exciting example of how Thai breweries are expanding the local beer palette.
Outlaw Brewing is made by: Outlaw Brewery while its price in Thailand: not widely available at 7/11; at bars - THB 100-180.
Thai Beer
While not Thai but from neighboring Laos, Beerlao has gained popularity in Thailand and Southeast Asia. Known for its smooth taste and quality brewing, Beerlao provides an alternative to Thai beers. It pairs well with local dishes and offers a distinct taste that many travelers enjoy trying during their regional explorations.
Beerlao is made by: Lao Brewery Company while its price in Thailand: at 7/11 - THB 55 (for 330 ml); at bars - THB 80-120.
Federbräu is a German-style beer brand brewed in Thailand under German brewing traditions. It’s available in select bars and restaurants and is appreciated for its authentic taste and craftsmanship. Federbräu adds an international flair to Thailand’s beer market, catering to beer connoisseurs looking for a classic European lager experience.
Federbräu is made by: ThaiBev (German-style) while its price in Thailand: at 7/11 - THB 50 (for 330 ml); at bars - THB 70-110.
Max Beer is a craft beer brand from Thailand that focuses on quality and innovation. Offering a range of beer styles including IPAs, stouts, and lagers, Max Beer reflects the country’s dynamic and evolving beer culture. It’s popular in urban areas and among craft beer fans looking for new and exciting brews beyond the mainstream.
Max Beer is made by: Max Beer Thailand while its price in Thailand: not widely available at 7/11; at bars - THB 90-150.
Our creative itinerary ideas will give you some travel inspirations. We will definitely tailor make unique trip for you and there are many more options available.