Craft beer goes local on Soiciety

The final portion of the January 4th special article ‘Bangkok 2026 predictions: Car culture shift, a heritage boom, air quality crisis, more green spaces‘ 

By: Clif Whittington [sic]

Looking towards 2026, there are two positive trends that would be great to see continue: a pull-back on government regulations that discourage small producers and the same local independent brewers continue to use Thai ingredients and flavors.

Some beers already use mango, honey and coconut, but there are bound to be other beer flavorings not yet dreamed of. The fact that these beers are brewed in the country, and often near Bangkok, means the beer will be incredibly fresh and will support the local economy.

As Thailand’s laws are starting to lean towards a more open environment, things could be very good for the city’s local craft beer scene.

Legality and changes in the laws aside, there are still plenty of obstacles in the way: not all local craft beers are popular or easy to get; many of the companies and distributors that already sell beer do not want to see any change in the status quo; and many beer drinkers just want something cheap and/or from a brand name they recognize.

Those trends will continue regardless of government regulation.

However, as the citizens of the city visit their neighborhood watering holes, they are more likely to try some beer made by their neighbors.

Tourists coming to Bangkok will be looking for the local and the unique things not found elsewhere — restaurants, bars and hotels will likely try to set themselves apart by offering a more unique “crafted” experience.

Clif Whittington [sic] writes the Bangkok Beer Guide.