Alcoholic beer market in Thailand

Earlier Report Observations

The Thai alcoholic beer market volume grew from 1 775 млн л in 2018 to 2 145 млн л in 2019, supported by beer's dominant position within the alcoholic drinks sector and the arrival of new craft and imported brands that broadened consumer choice. This expansion was interrupted in 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic reduced consumer purchasing power and led to the closure of on-premise venues like bars and restaurants, shrinking the market to 1 910 млн л. The downturn continued into 2021 as the economic recovery remained slow and a growing health-conscious trend encouraged some consumers to switch to non-alcoholic beer alternatives, bringing the market volume to 1 870 млн л.

A significant regulatory liberalization in 2022 stimulated market recovery. The government removed minimum capital and production capacity requirements for obtaining brewery licenses, permitted limited alcohol advertising, and allowed afternoon sales for a trial period. These changes, combined with a rebound in tourism and general economic activity, helped push the market volume up to 2 136 млн л. In 2023, the post-pandemic recovery continued and new competitors like Carabao beer gained market share, but high production costs and increased living expenses pressured household budgets, contributing to a market decline to 2 007 млн л.

Production alcoholic beer in Thailand

In kind, 2017-2020, M l

On a global scale, Thailand ranked as the 18th largest producer of alcoholic beer from 2017 to 2020.

Top producers of alcoholic beer, 2017-2020

World map of production of alcoholic beer, 2017-2020

In 2020, Thailand produced 2 008 million liters of alcoholic beer, marking a 7.6% decrease compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 10.1%, which translates to an average annual decline of 3.5%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 1 928 million liters. The most significant drop occurred in 2018 with a 13.7% decrease, while the largest increase was observed in 2019 with a 12.7% rise.

Annual dynamics of production in Thailand in kind, 2017-2020, M l

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Following two consecutive years of growth, Thailand's alcoholic beer production experienced a decline. In 2020, the output was valued at 1 642 million US dollars, reflecting a substantial 12.0% loss compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, overall production increased by 25.2%, averaging an annual growth rate of 7.8%. The peak value was reached in 2019 at 1 867 million US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 34.0%.

Annual dynamics of production in Thailand in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports alcoholic beer from Thailand

Exports in kind, M l

Market performance showed notable fluctuations during this period. Import levels varied significantly, with a 7.4-fold difference between the high in 2017 and the low in 2019. In 2020, Thailand's alcoholic beer exports totaled 114.4 million liters, representing a sharp increase of 249.7% compared to the previous year. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 32.7 million liters, which also experienced the largest decline of 81.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Thailand in kind, 2017-2020, M l

From 2017 to 2020, three key markets—Myanmar, Cambodia, and the United Arab Emirates—collectively accounted for 78.1% of Thailand's total alcoholic beer exports in volume terms.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Thailand in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, M $ US

The market displayed an unstable trend throughout the timeframe. Export values reached their highest point in 2017 and fell to their lowest in 2019, with a 5.1-fold difference between these extremes. In 2020, Thailand exported 93.6 million US dollars worth of alcoholic beer, up by 232.8% compared to 2019. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 28.1 million US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 77.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Thailand in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Between 2017 and 2020, Myanmar (38.2% of exports by value), Cambodia (19.2%), and the United Arab Emirates (15.1%) remained the primary buyers of alcoholic beer from Thailand, together constituting 72.4% of total exports in value terms.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Thailand in value, 2017-2020

Imports alcoholic beer to Thailand

Imports in kind, M l

The market exhibited an unstable trend throughout the timeframe. Import volumes peaked in 2018 and dropped to their lowest point in 2019, with a 3.4-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Thailand's alcoholic beer imports were recorded at 16.8 million liters, indicating a 203.2% increase compared to the previous year. The minimum volume was in 2019 at 5.5 million liters, while the maximum was in 2018 at 19.1 million liters. The largest decline occurred in 2019 with a 70.9% decrease.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Thailand in kind, 2017-2020, M l

From 2017 to 2020, Vietnam (20.3% of imports by volume), Belgium (19.6%), and Germany (15.5%) formed the core of Thailand's alcoholic beer imports, collectively accounting for 55.5% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Thailand in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, M $ US

Volatility characterized the market behavior during these years. Import values reached their peak in 2018 and hit their minimum in 2019, with a 3.2-fold difference between these points. In 2020, Thailand's alcoholic beer imports amounted to 16.3 million US dollars, showing a sharp rise of 204.9% over the previous year. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 5.3 million US dollars, while the highest was in 2018 at 17.3 million US dollars. The largest decline took place in 2019 with a 69.2% decrease.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Thailand in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

During 2017–2020, Vietnam (22.9% of imports by value), Belgium (20.3%), and Mexico (10.4%) continued to be the main suppliers of alcoholic beer to Thailand, jointly making up 53.6% of total imports in value terms.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Thailand in value, 2017-2020