If you wander out of farangland and start associating with the Thai disco crowds, it helps to know a little bit about how a Thai gets drunk.  So let’s go over some of the cultural drinking norms to give you a good foundation for politically correct belligerence.

BYOB

When heading out on the town, it is common to just buy a bottle and bring it to the club.  When you walk into a big Thai venue, you’ll see everyone has their own little table and their own bottle of whiskey surrounded by mixers.  It really is amazing how generous Thai venues are about bringing your own liquor and even food into their establishments.  Most don’t charge a corkage fee at all while some will ask you to buy a certain amount of mixers, although this is pretty rare.    

No Taking it Outside—Brawling is Nonexistent

One of the most refreshing things about partying in Thailand, especially if you’re from England, Ireland, or America, is not having to worry about violence when you’re out on the town.  Fighting just does not happen at the bars, although if you push the limit and you are a foreigner you will likely end up the victim of a riot, so don’t start attacking Thais thinking they are pushovers.

Keep in mind, also, that in areas like Khao San you will hear about groups of menacing Thais stomping backpackers (men and women) into the pavement over an argument to do with a bill, but get away from the tourist areas and this is nearly nonexistent.  Exceptions aside, it is refreshing to sit back and enjoy beer and laughter with friends without dealing with drunken idiots who want to bash each other’s teeth out. 

Gender Roles and Partying

One thing that you will notice is the women often pour the drinks for the men.  This is common tradition.  When your glass is empty, or maybe even just halfway empty, they will fill it up with ice and start pouring you a drink.  This isn’t always the case.  Many times the men will do it too, especially if you are higher in status than them, which is normally true.
 
While traditions says the lower status person should do it, it is a very flexible rule and most people just make an effort to accommodate each other. If no one offers to fill your glass, pick up the bottle and do it yourself, but don’t forget to fill everyone else’s glass at the table. 

Thai Iced Beer, Anyone?

It just drives Westerners crazy when they see me order a glass of ice with my beer.  This is how the Thais do it, and if you would have asked me when I was sitting in my favorite micro-brews back home if I wanted a glass of ice, I would have laughed in your face.  But in this heat, beer warms up quick, and let’s face it, the flavor of Thai beer is just not worth preserving.

Pay Up

Thailand culture is really reliant on status and where each person stands economically.  While there is a lot more to this that we won’t discuss here, for the most part it has to do with your wallet.  Whether you are Thai or farang, if you go out with a bunch of friends who do not do as well as you financially, you are expected to pick up the bill. The problem many visitors have is that Thais immediately assume they are well off just because they are from abroad.  

This is less and less so with the younger university-aged Thais, and before you think everyone wants your money, you will notice that if they have a bottle already they will have no problems sharing with you.  Just don’t be surprised if they expect you to pay for the mixers or pick up the tab on another bottle when the time comes. 

And be prepared if the bottle they had when you came wasn’t yet paid for and somehow the bill winds up in your hands.  It is rare, but it does happen and is often a case of  your new friends not being as well off as you thought.

On Being an Alcoholic

There does not seem to be as much guilt associated with drinking in the younger crowd, another contradiction in a culture predominantly Buddhist.  Every occasion seems to revolve around getting absolutely wasted, and the youth have not seemed to put together the connection between alcohol and future health problems.  Then, in this country, it is all about living in the moment.

The clubs here are typically packed every single night of the week, and being a foreigner and somewhat of a celebrity (with money), if you stay in the same place long enough, people will always be inviting you out.  Peer pressure is something we give in to a lot more when traveling, as we are in the mindset of experiencing a new culture already, but its important to start setting boundaries if you are here for the long run.

One thing to remember is that if you don’t want another glass—do not drain the one in your hand because it will be refilled.  Thais don’t take no for an answer, and an empty glass means you want more.  And even that trick will only get you so far, as someone will eventually get tired of sober people and demand everyone in the group down what’s in their hand, while smiling, of course. 

With all this talk of drinking, you might be getting the impression that this is the only thing to do here.  You couldn’t be farther from the truth, and in fact, many Thais refuse to drink at all, especially young people following the guidelines set by their parents. 

But drinking is sort of an international language and has its place in world travel.  If I am in a city I don’t know where they speak a language I don’t know, I simply walk into a club, order a beer, and walk around making friends.  Try that in the mall.  Be adventurous, try not to get too carried away, and enjoy the party.