Travel news forum

The Bangkok Post reports that the Tourism Authority of Thailand on Friday announced a new official cocktail for the kingdom: Siam Sunrays. It's made with vodka, syrup, lime juice and soda water and some Thai ingredients: coconut liqueur, chilli and ginger, a leaf of Kaffir lime and three slivers of lemongrass. Story also mentions that chilli, ginger and lemongrass have been declared "hazardous substances" because they are used as pesticide ingredients by organic farmers. Brand cocktails "can help raise awareness of the destination," TAT claimed in a press release that also cited the Singapore Sling or the Cuban Mojito from Havana - "part of global cosmopolitan culture and recognised worldwide," it claimed.
Hmm, not sure if they were government endorsed? "Successful signature drinks are one way to fast track holiday destinations on to the world tourism map," according to the release. Siam Sunrays was created by Surasakdi Pantaisong. He won the 2008 national bartender contest, sponsored by the TAT and the Thai Hotels Association. Full recipe is part of story -- you don't actually need to go to Thailand to enjoy. So long as you have your own hazardous substances at home.