The Original Red Bull in Thailand
In the 1970s, Krating Daeng (กระทิ่ง แดง) was created in Thailand by Chaleo Yoovidhya. It was initially sold as a tonic to help people feel more energised and alert.
Krating Daeng quickly became popular among factory workers and truck drivers who needed to stay awake for long hours. It soon gained a reputation as a “miracle” drink that could help anyone who drank it feel more energetic.
In 1984, Red Bull GmbH was founded in Austria by Dietrich Mateschitz. Mateschitz learned about Krating Daeng while on a business trip to Thailand and saw the potential for a similar product in the Western market.
Red Bull GmbH licensed the formula for Krating Daeng and started selling Red Bull Energy Drink in Austria in 1987. The drink quickly became popular in Europe and was soon available in over 30 countries.
Today, Red Bull is one of the most popular energy drinks in the world. Thanks to its originator, Chaleo Yoovidhya, Red Bull has become an iconic brand that is enjoyed by millions of people every day.
Red Bull in Thailand Today
Krating Daeng is still sold in small glass bottles at 7-11 in Thailand and also in other countries in Southeast Asia. They resemble medicine from a distance and if you think about it, it is medicine! The components include caffeine, taurine, vitamins, sucrose, and glucose, which are all excellent energy boosters. Great for doing hard labor like it was originally intended for or staying awake on a late-night bender at one of the many nightclubs in Thailand.
Whether you’re heading out for the night or trying to cure a hangover, these drinks will give you the buzz (or relief) you need!
Krating Daeng is stronger than the American and European versions, so you get more benefits for your money. Not that you need money of course, because a bottle will only set you back 10 baht (about 30 cents), and if you buy several at once it’s even cheaper. It works great as a mix for just about any hard liquor, but we prefer it with vodka or Sangsom.
