Drinking Culture In Thailand – Do’s and Don’ts
The drinking culture in Thailand may have some similarities with our home countries, however, there are some big differences worth acknowledging.
The dos and don’ts of drinking alcohol in Thailand will differ from place to place and is much dependent on whether you’re socializing with Thai people, which Thai people, the type of place, area, and part of the country.
Tourist bar area drinking and a night out with Thai people will not have much in common apart from alcohol being consumed. Thailand is more conservative in many ways, not to say they do not like a drink and party.
Drinking in Public around Thailand
A common question or set of questions asked recently is whether people can drink on the street, can you drink in public places in Thailand, and whether it is legal to drink on the street?
Legal Age: While on the law subject, it’s worth mentioning the legal age for boozing is age 20. Not always adhered to, and youngsters are not always punished by the law, but police can take action against a person that’s drinking underage or an establishment serving them.
Parks – Temples: Drinking is not allowed in public parks or places of worship and temples. There may be ceremonies at temples (I have been to a couple of huge party bashes at temples) where drinking is allowed that is obvious — they’re drinking already.
Street Drinking: It is not illegal to drink in many places on the street, however, in some places, it is restricted (you’ll see signs – such as the parks mentioned).
Buddhist Holidays: It’s illegal on certain religious days to sell and drink alcohol in public places.
Thai people will quite often set up tables outside a shop, workplace, or wherever and drink, and eat food – but they won’t just walk down a street with a bottle of beer unless it is some kind of festival. It is not socially acceptable in Thailand to walk down the street drinking (especially in Bangkok), but on Islands and tourist hubs, it has more acceptance.
You can sit outside a 7 – 11 with a beer, but it is cheap enough and more fun to go to one of the many places (bars, restaurants, clubs, beer gardens) created for drinking. Many are cheap enough not to need to sit outside on the street if money is the problem.
I have seen many foreigners on Khaosan Rd drinking on the street, and it is much more normal there than anywhere else. However, most Thai people do frown on them and have Thai words for these types of people – bird shit farang (farang ki nok), which is more about disrespect for others, themselves, and culture rather than having no money and wearing flip-flops.
These are just my experiences after being in Thailand for a few years and what I have learned, seen, and heard, which others may view differently – they’re welcome to different opinions, I am not a Thailand expert.
Basic Dos and Don’ts
The basics involve common sense and behaving in a safer manner than we would behave back home…..
Some of us leave this common sense in our home countries for some reason (not a judgment – I was previously guilty too). It’s very strange because a foreign country with different laws and some serious consequences that could occur should make us all that extra bit vigilant……holiday fever takes over, I guess.
Drunken Behavior
The kind of behavior seen within my home country (England), rolling around the floor, puking in the street, shouting, and fighting, are of course extremes and unacceptable to most English people, nonetheless, this is totally unacceptable within Thai culture, it’s showing lack of control among other things, you’re losing face.
Smaller things that people can see as funny in the west, like a guy at a crowded beer garden pouring his own beer over his head, which got plenty of laughs from his friends, but as my Thai girlfriend said, it is not funny at all, and no Thais gave it any attention (because he is losing face and embarrassing himself).
Safety
In my opinion and from experience – Thailand is safe, but you’re not free from getting into trouble or problems that can and do occur later in the evening after lots of booze has been consumed. Avoiding both of these will reduce the risk of the harm factor massively.
Get to know your Surroundings
Before getting out on the lash too much, it will pay to get to know the area and become friendly with the bar owners and staff on the first couple of nights. Most Thai staff will be more than willing to help you, give advice if they speak English, and even make sure you are safe–they can be extremely helpful. Also, you might want to do your research online about the safety of the place in Thailand you’re visiting.
Thai Bars – Karaokes – Clubs
My advice in regards to any Thai establishment for drinking is to go with Thai people. Issues can arise you may not be aware of, and customs not adhered to could cause you a problem. Thais usually keep themselves to their own group and even dance around the table and not around or near others. At nightclubs, Thais party just as well as us, but going with your Thai friend is best, and like me, you could have a great time.
Phuket, Pattaya, and some Islands
These places get special attention in the news in terms of incidences. As mentioned, alcohol is usually involved in one way or another. Also, more tourists and more bars, and more unsavory people are mixed in with mostly decent people.
Getting Spiked
I have not, nor any people I know have not, experienced any issues with people drugging drinks to rob them, however, it has happened in the news, and stories have been told me over the years. Don’t take drinks from strangers seems to be the rule, but of course, if you’re sitting at a bar chatting with another tourist and all seems normal, then the ‘he buys me one then it’s my round’ of course applies.
In places, you don’t know well and more so on Islands, it is safer to be mindful of leaving your drink to dance or going to the toilet without someone looking after your drink. No need to be paranoid; however, a bit of safety consciousness is worth considering.
Avoid The Sea
Avoid swimming in the sea after drinking for obvious possible drowning reasons. We do not know how strong the currents are and the false sense of security from alcohol is probably what has ended some westerners’ holiday – tragically.
Drinking with Thai People
Who buys the drinks and food is a tricky one because it’s based on who you’re drinking with. There is an unsaid kind of rule where the elder may pay more of the bill, but it’s not frowned upon if they do not.
If you’re heading to the country to visit family with a Thai wife/girlfriend, you will make gains from being generous, whether buying drinks, offering food, or giving gifts–this is naturally the Thai way of generosity. We have never gone up-country empty-handed, and if we go to a restaurant we take care of the bill.
Thai people share everything. You will be offered drinks and food on most occasions. If you notice Thai people drinking together, they could have a tower of beer or a bottle of whiskey with soda to share, and of course, a table full of food also to be shared. Sharing is the way of Thai people.
Being stingy and being loud or showing a lack of control while drinking will not win you many Thai friends. Proper behavior out in public is very important.
Where there is alcohol, there is food. Compared to the English style of drinking, I think the Thais have it nailed, in terms of replenishing themselves with nutrition before the alcohol can deplete it. No sloppy kebabs or burgers after 8 pints of beer, British style.
In Bangkok and other cities, many Thais have taken on more of a western-style of drinking. They visit western-type beer bars, go clubbing, and like to hang out at wine bars. Wine drinking is not cheap because it’s imported, and imports are expensive, although Thailand is working at producing its own quality wines.
Safety and Common Sense First
Easier said than done for some people – especially when a trip to Thailand is a trip of fun and enjoyment.
Most people have no issues at all…..And if you use the same safety consciousness as you do back home and have a healthy concern that you’re visiting a foreign country with different customs and laws, all will be well and a hell of a lot of fun.
I’m Jonesy. The one responsible for whole lot of things including having this Thailand site up and running. I first arrived in Thailand in 2008 and being a web developer it made sense to create a website and write some stuff about my second home. Enjoy your travels!
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