Indulgences

1. เบียร์

   Bia

   Beer

   Usage

   The main domestic brands are Singha, Chang and Leo. Thais normally drink it poured over ice

   Grammar Note

   Note: retail alcohol sales in Thailand are restricted by law to certain hours, and are banned all day on major Buddhist holidays (Makha Bucha, Visakha Bucha and others). Expect hours when convenience stores will not sell it

2. เหล้าขาว

   Lâo khǎo

   Lao khao (Thai white spirit)

   Usage

   A clear distilled spirit made from rice or molasses, sold by the small bottle in provincial shops and eateries. Strong — take it in small measures

   Grammar Note

   Official and legal texts spell it "sura khao"; "lao khao" is what you hear in shops and conversation

3. ยาดอง

   Ya dong

   Ya dong (herb-infused liquor)

   Usage

   Spirits steeped with herbs and roots, served by the shot at small street carts. The ingredients and strength differ from cart to cart, and nothing is labelled

4. สาโท

   Sǎ-tho

   Sato (Thai rice wine)

   Usage

   An undistilled, cloudy fermented rice drink, bottled and sold as a provincial specialty. Also called "nam khao" (white water)

5. บุหรี่

   Bù-rì

   Cigarette

   Usage

   Smoking is banned indoors in restaurants and air-conditioned public places, and on many beaches, with fines for breaking the rule. Use the marked smoking areas only

6. บุหรี่ไฟฟ้า

   Bù-rì fai-fá

   E-cigarette / vape

   Usage

   Warning: importing, selling and possessing e-cigarettes is illegal in Thailand. Travellers are not exempt — devices are confiscated and fines or detention follow. Do not bring one

   Grammar Note

   Official documents write it as ยาสูบอิเล็กทรอนิกส์ (electronic tobacco); the everyday word is "buri faifa"

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