It’s no secret that Bangkokians love a good drink. Whether it’s beer with ice at a street food market or a crisp craft brew at a city bar, booze is a big part of the capital’s social DNA. But it’s not just about drinking – Thailand has become a proud producer, with homegrown bottlings gaining global recognition.
To celebrate this made-in-Thailand talent, top media organisation Thairath brings back Merai Thailand for its second year, taking place from November 26-30 at EM Wonder and Sphere Hall, The Emsphere. Free to attend, the festival features over 50 labels of local spirits and craft beers from across the nation, all under one roof.
Festival highlights include Merai Talks, a series of sessions where guests can sit in on candid conversations between distillers, industry insiders and government representatives on the future of the craft alcohol scene.
You can also swing by the Meria Moodtail Bar, an interactive cocktail station that mixes concoctions based on your mood. Simply tell the bartender how you feel and they’ll shake up something that fits.
And when the sun goes down, Meria Music keeps the energy high with nightly live performances from 6pm-midnight, featuring Paradise Bangkok Molam International Band, Yokee Playboy, Apartment Khunpa, H3F and more.
Those in the hospitality industry should also mark their calendars for Meria Thailand Business Matching Day on November 26, 2pm-5pm. This is a networking gathering connecting HORECA (hotel, restaurant and cafe) entrepreneurs with community producers. It’s a rare opportunity to strike partnerships and support a growing spirits ecosystem.
Since its debut last year, Merai Thailand has been a resounding success. This year’s festival is just the beginning for the country’s local spirits scene. Long held back by laws largely seen as outdated, the community now has a platform to grow and events like this could help pave the way for more relaxed alcohol regulations, giving local producers the opportunity they deserve to shine.