'Hopeless colonial in Pattaya'
In bustling Pattaya, with a glass of wine in hand and a touch of irony, a man of the world tries to impress. But as he sips, he observes a scene that is both hilarious and uncomfortable. What begins as an evening of bravado ends with a painful lesson—literally and figuratively—in culture clashes and self-awareness.
In a bold move to boost tourism, the Thai government has decided to cut excise taxes on liquor and entertainment venues. This measure, aimed at increasing national revenues through tourism, includes reducing taxes on wine and alcohol. The initiative highlights the role of tourism in the country's economic growth.
The “wine connoisseur”
Most Thais are not wine drinkers and certainly not wine connoisseurs. My wife's second cousin never drinks wine himself, but he recently brought me a bottle of red wine.
Why is the tax burden on wine in Thailand 250 percent on average? In many countries, the levy is the first protection against imports of products that represent competition for local entrepreneurs. But, does Thailand produce wine?
Silverlake Vineyard near Pattaya
In and around Pattaya there are many interesting and fascinating trips to make. For example, visit the wine region in the Pattaya area, known as Silverlake Vineyard.
Drinking wine in a restaurant in Isaan
Despite the fact that I fell through the basket as a wine connoisseur last time when I wrote something about wine, I will not let myself stop writing something about wine again. This time about drinking wine in restaurants in Isaan.
The wines of Silverlake
The wines from the Thai vineyard Silverlake, located not far from Pattaya, will not sound familiar to the true connoisseur. Until a few years ago, Thai wines were still inferior compared to the more well-known wine countries and hardly drinkable for the enthusiast.
Thai wines
Although a so-called 'Royal project' was started in Thailand more than thirty years ago at the instigation of King Bhumibol to experiment with viticulture, it has not yet proved to be a great international success.
Australia's ambassador to Thailand, Allan McKinnon, complains about Thailand's high excise duty on wine. A $10 bottle of wine in Australia costs three to four times as much in Thailand.
A little irritable?
You can't get out and are too much on each other's lips and that can degenerate into squabbles with each other; that's how I read. After a week in quarantine I'm starting to get a little bit of it too. Can't leave the house and trapped in my girlfriend's house.
Joseph in Asia (part 17)
We were forced to say goodbye to the Avani resort and are now staying in the newly built Amber hotel just a few months ago. No view of the sea but adjacent to a side street of the famous Soi Buakhao. You don't recognize this otherwise busy street and just like on Beachroad you see few people here and it is dead quiet everywhere.
Reader question: Availability of wine in cardboard in Thailand
In Hua Hin we note that Makro, Villa Market and Tesco no longer obtain French wines in cartons, according to an important source, the Thai government would require that they deliver their wines in tank containers and that the wine should be filled in cartons here. An importer says that this is why some winegrowers are already refusing to deliver to Thailand because there is a good chance that they will mix that wine with Thai fruit wine (not to drink) since they cannot sell it.
Wine War in Thailand
I can appreciate an alcoholic snack from time to time. I'm not much of a beer drinker, only when I'm very thirsty do I ever want to drink a bottle of Leo. But normally I prefer a white wine and very occasionally a whiskey or a sambucca. That drink prices in Thailand are on the high side, to put it euphemistically, is of course known and is in itself no reason to get excited about it. But at some point it can also go too far. That's what this article is about.
Foster sister blood wine, a Thai alternative
Driving from Chachoengsao to Rayong I make a short stop at a coffee shop.
Headache after drinking red wine?
Many of us enjoy a good wine with taste and pleasure. I myself am a fan of 'full bodied' red wines, for example Argentinean Malbec, Australian Shiraz, Bordeaux, Rioja and especially not to forget Nero d'Avolo and Primitivo from southern Italy and Sicily.
About souvenirs, wine and reinventing the wheel
Although I'm not particularly fond of trinkets and certainly not much of knick-knacks offered as souvenirs, I do occasionally go for the axe. Usually it concerns a visit to a distant place where the prosperity is not high and a small contribution can be made to the not too rosy living conditions through a purchase.
High class restaurant without Thai beer in Pattaya
It was a strange experience not being able to order a Singha beer in a new restaurant that pretends to be of great class. The restaurant (I will not name) was highly recommended to me by a friend. He had dined there with his wife and both had enjoyed the ambiance and excellent service, an ideal setting to romantically celebrate the Thai lady's birthday.
Reader submission: Mont Clair wine has become more expensive again
Was surprised to do some shopping at Big C yesterday. Had to have the necessary things, but was shocked when I arrived at my favorite wine, Mont Clair 2 liters. A few months ago, the price had already been increased from 399 to 439 baht, but now my mouth fell open: 749 baht! I thought it was a mistake, but when I asked the employees of Big C it was confirmed, unfortunately I left it there.
Agenda: Cheese and wine afternoon on November 18 (N/A Bangkok)
On November 18, the NVT is organizing a new and special event: a cheese and wine afternoon. And that for an incredible price. Members pay only THB 250 and non-members THB 500 for this 3-hour gastronomic treat, including the cheese and wine.
French winery in Thai hills
Château des Brumes 2003, mis en bouteille au château. Bordeaux? Burgundy? Alsace? None of that. This is a real winery in the Wang Nam Keow district of Nakhon Ratchasima, a good 200 kilometers northeast of Bangkok.
You can imagine yourself in France about 230 km from Bangkok. Not only the landscape with countless vines reminds you of the French countryside, the Village Farm Winery in Khao Yai could easily be found in Europe.
Viticulture in Thailand
Just like in the Netherlands, viticulture takes place in Thailand. These are the so-called “new latitude wines”. Wines that catch on at a different latitude than the original places, such as France and Italy, in order to fully mature.