Since I was last here in England, a new oriental food store has opened in Exeter. It is run by a friendly and delightful Malaysian-Chinese woman. Exeter University (like every other UK university, I guess) has a high number of Chinese students and they seem to provide most of her customers. But Thais and English people also patronise the shop, and Thai foodstuff is well represented on the shelves and in the refrigerators. Some of the part-time shop assistants are Thai, too.

One of the things I picked up last time I was in there was a free newspaper called Amthaipaper which claims to be the first Thai newspaper in the UK. It comes out monthly and July’s issue was the 31st. so it has been around for quite a time without me coming across it. A full-page ad for Chang beer included this:

The distinguished tasting panel of “The Beverage Tasting Institute” described Chang as …

“Bright golden colour. Honeyed raisin toast aromas with a hint of lychee follow through on a crisp, smooth entry to a dryish medium body with a hint of apple, nut, and a solid roasted grain character. Finishes with a crisp, balanced earthy hop and pizza dough fade. A very nice food beer.”

Full story: Thai Life in Phana