How safe is it to drink mixed cocktails with ICE

[Boboman]

I would like to know if it is advisable to avoid ice in mixed drinks? Is the ice safe to consume in restaurants and bars in Hua Hin?

Sorry if I posted this in the wrong place.

[frank1957]

Been in Hua Hin just over 2 years no problems with the ice so far

[Boboman]

Thanks Frank That's good news!!

[Lung Per]

The problem with ice cubes in bars and restaurants is that they may be made from contaminated water, or that the machines lack proper disinfection and cleaning. One never knows. This problem exists not only in Thailand, it`s a worldwide challenge.
Solution - bring your own ice cubes. (Oh well - yes, I know)...

[Boboman]

That would be impossible....quite practical but impossible.

What it boils down to though...(pardon the pun) is the water that is coming out of the tap to make the ice safe for drinking?

[Big Boy]

Boboman, ice is very cheap to buy from the various 'safe' vendors around the town. The cost of actually making their own 'dodgy' ice would probably be much more than buying it in. You will see motorcycles and side cars driving around town quite regularly with water dripping from the large white sacks containing ice.

I would guess the risk is much less than the risk involved in crossing the road.

[kendo]

Quite a common qestion for someone to ask as a new visitor, I have never had a problem with ice or know anyone else that has in Hua Hin.
When I am in town with my family we use a lot of restaurants and some bars no worries.

Kendo.

[Gregjam]

I have never had any problems that I could attribute to the ice directly and only one occasion when I noticed anything. In that instance I was drinking bottled water in an establishment in Market Village and it was easy to detect that the funny taste was linked to the ice. Must have been some cubes near the outside of the sack picking up some of the dust on their way to the shopping centre. I am not naming the place as it looks like the same supplier goes to all the restaurants and it was just a taste issue and no other problems. Had I been drinking something with a flavour I would not have noticed it.
In short, I don't think local ice is a problem.

[hhfarang]

Round "cubes" with a hole in the middle generally signify ice from the supposedly safe sources. If I were to order a drink and it came with square "cubes" I would worry, otherwise after 10 years here drinking iced drinks in restaurants I've never had a problem I could attribute to the ice.

[Ralfredo]

That would be impossible....quite practical but impossible.

Absolutely not impossible if you really wanted. You can buy a bag of ice in more or less every 7/11, minimart or grocery store. You get about 2 kilogram for about 8 Bath. I'm pretty sure no one would object if you brought such a bag to a bar/restaurant.

I have never seen it don tough. Personally I agree with others and think that the ice is a "no problem". I'm rather sure that the booze in the drinks are more harmful to your health than the ice...

[kendo]

Slightly off topic but I carry a small jar of coffee and my 80, tea bags all over Thailand and take them into hotel restaurants without any embarisment and just ask for hot water and milk.

With cocktails I would be more concerned about the amount of alcohol being used as some free pour mesure's can be a little to generous for some people.

Kendo.

[Ralfredo]

for about 8 Bath.

Baht ffs

[crazy88]

Are you telling me they have been putting crystal meth in my drinks all these years??????????? Better order a margarita immediately

Crazy 88

[Boboman]

Thanks for the responses... we will enjoy our chilled cocktails with some peace of mind.

[billy70]

I've always found the water and ice in the tourist parts of Thailand to be fine. I would be much more concerned if you were in a completely rural area.