Why does there seem to be such a lack of beer sots (i think thats what they call em ) in Nong Khai nowadays, I'm sure I used to find them in pretty much most of the pubs/bars that I used to pop into, but a few months ago, beer on tap seemed to be almost extinct.

Wasn't so bad in Udon, thankfully...

Beer sots? as in a drunkard or a chronic drinker? Is Nong Khai so bad? Its good to know there are less in Udon!

i don't know about that. they were starting a big push the last year, seems like everyone has chang on draft now, i noticed a push for leo on draft lately. selling 2 smaller glasses at 40 each is better profit than large bottle at 60-80 baht each. i was at the night market/train area couple weeks ago, and they had live music, everyone seem to be enjoying those large portable draft mini kegs at their table in the main little drinking area close to the stage. my cheap butt sat 5 meters away on wooden bench seats and order a large chang from vender, got 65 baht change, i was cheap charlie heaven. then a farang and wify came along and we sat and chatted for quite some time enjoying or listening to the music. 35 baht changs, my kind of vender. cost that in the store, or 37 at 7-11 last time. must be special price because i'm so handsome.

briang, no idea about my translation, my wife just seemed to think that a beer sot was the best way to describe beer on tap.

la, sounds like i just went to the wrong places, I must admit though, that I did still see all the old carlsberg draught pumps in a lot of places, all redudent and empty

Sean,there's a little man in Tesco Lotus in Nong Khai who has a small kiosk with indian heads on it and he sells draught Chang and Leo.Do your shopping and have a beer interval.

I believe Carlsberg fell out with there Thai partner a while back.

Sorry BkB, I did not know you were using a Thai word.

I was just thinking of the English meaning of the word 'Sot' especially when associated with the word Beer!

i.e.
Noun: sot - a chronic drinker
drunk, drunkard, inebriate, rummy
alcoholic, alky, boozer, dipsomaniac, lush, souse, soaker - a person who drinks alcohol to excess habitually
imbiber, juicer, toper, drinker - a person who drinks alcoholic beverages (especially to excess)

I quite like that dipsomaniac word! Must try to use it more.

May just have to go pay the 'little guy in Tesco's' a visit next time Marcus, just when I need a proper cold beer, although I forgot to mention that I did find some draught Chang in The Meeting Place one evening...

No problems with the misunderstanding briang, I never knew the english meaning either or dipsomaniac come to think of it

Carlsberg had a big row with Chang about three years ago but recently have made up so may see Carlsberg reappearing.

If you find yourself in Nong Khai looking to buy some spirits and Tesco is on one of its "cannot sell you alcohol at this time of day" breaks then there is an off licence just up the road.Go straight across the lights towards the town hall and it is just past the Toyota showroom on the right.Owner is a lovely chap and have a decent selection.Vodka made by a British company(Allied Domecq) in the Philipines for 300 Baht and it's not rough.Got Smirnoff and Absolut too.about 600 Baht.

yeah - Fantastic Idea

how to stop everyone in Thailand from becoming alcoholics - stop selling alcohol between 2pm and 5 pm every day - that will work for sure !!!! just brings more trade in for the little shops across the road you talked about - who really dont care what time of the day you buy your beer

Almost (or equally) as good as the plan to cut down on peoples driving excess (and to cut fuel consumption) was to order petrol stations to close at 10pm (or 12.00) and this will stop those pesky people driving their trucks the next day - surely ???????

And to continue with the rant .. how come a 19/ 20 year old is prevented from drinking in a bar - but is quite entitled to walk into a supermarket and buy every last bottle of alcohol in the store ????? (min age 18 ) - unless its 2pm-5pm in the afternoon of course !!!!!!!

Some fine policy ideas from those 'above'

Paul

Wife says the 2 till 5 closing is supposed to stop children buying alcohol after school.Hmmm,not too sure they would not buy it at some other time of day.

But that area of concern is surely covered by the minimum age 18 for buying alcohol.

I know that some High School students may well be 18 - but whats the problem there too - prove youre 18 and thats fine - no matter what uniform you are wearing .

Either they are saying no children in uniform can buy alcohol, or nobody under 18 - or nobody 18 or otherwise between 2pm and 5pm ???

Do they themselves know what they are talking about???

I know the supermarkets get frustrated with these zany schemes which those in power seem to come up with - I remember not so long ago that the supermarkets opening hours were changing almost weekly and one of the staff told me that they are "just following government regulations and hopefully they will find an opening time they like and stick with it !"

Seems like they get the rough end of the stick - coz Somsak across the road in the corner shop doesnt care what time of the day he opens - what time he sells you some beer - and probrably not even how old you are



Paul

This all sounds rather familier to when supermarkets started opening on Sundays in Britain, if anyone cares to remember the chaos that followed....all got straightened out soon after though..

I think the problem with all the changes arises form the frequent changes of minister that have happened under Mr Thaksin.The new guy always seems to want to make his mark and reverse what the out going bod did.

As long as it Beer and its cold I'll drink it through a Afkans underpants.

Kally

Thank you for sharing that