Planned "Isan" beer angers northeasterners
(BangkokPost.com) – Pro-Buddhist activists and groups against the consumption of alcohol in the northeastern region are crying foul over plans by Boon Rawd Brewery Co., Ltd., which produces Singha beer, to sell a new product under the name “Isan” beer.
The protesters gathered this morning, calling on one of Thailand’s beer giants not to associate the name Isan, which refers to Thais who hail from the northeastern region, with a vice such as beer.
“We have already written a document to the governor of Khon Kaen province and also to the managers of Boon Rawd Brewery, urging them to reconsider the name,” said Niroot Suttha, Chairman of an anti-alcohol group.
He added: “We would be happy if they chose another name that was not directly connected with the Isan people’s way of living and their culture.”
The protesters threatened to hand a petition to the new government if their calls were not met.
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