Singha shrinks bottles as beer monopoly bites drinkers
Calling the nation’s beer drinkers. Quick! Get to your local beer supplier, preferably one with slow turnover, and buy up as much old stock of Leo and Singha beer as you can.
In yet another atrocity against the beer-drinking public, Singha has followed in the footsteps of Chang and reduced the size of its “large” bottles from 630ml to 620ml, thus stealing that important final mouthful. Happy New Year from Singha to its customers – NOT!
In recent months, we have been reading about the plight of Thai craft brewers who are unable to sell their products directly in Thailand owing to pernicious licensing that preserves the monopoly of the two main brewers, who are also protected by the up-to-60-per-cent duty on imported beer.
If ever there was a case for Article 44 action to break up a monopoly that treats its customers with such utter contempt, this must be one.
As for me, my fridge is now stocked with Asahi. Each bottle contains not 620, not 630, but a magnificent 640ml. Extra mouthfuls all round.
Happy New Year!
Nigel Pike
Phang Nga
