[2026 Edition] Thai Water Culture and Life | What are the best easy-to-drink water options for Japanese people?
The Importance of Water: A Realization After Living in Thailand
After starting life in Thailand, I sometimes have a sudden thought:
"I've become more conscious of water than when I was in Japan."
Thailand has many hot days throughout the year, making regular hydration essential whether you're out, at work, or at home.
Convenience stores and supermarkets are stocked with various mineral waters, and you naturally find yourself buying water more often in town.
On the other hand, many Japanese people ask:
"Which water in Thailand is easy to drink?"
"Thai water is a bit different from Japanese water."
"I want to know which water is recommended for Japanese people."
Water is something we drink every day.
That's why, in daily life in Thailand, it's important to choose not only based on price and accessibility, but also on drinkability, mouthfeel, and whether it suits your lifestyle.
Thai Life Has Developed Hand-in-Hand with Water
Water is an indispensable part of Thai culture and history.
Thailand has many rivers and canals, including the Chao Phraya River that flows through the capital, Bangkok.
In old Thailand, much of daily life—transportation, logistics, commerce, and food supply—was conducted via waterways.
Even today, traces of this can be seen in the floating markets.
In Thailand, water is not merely a beverage.
It is central to people's lives, influencing their daily routines, food culture, transportation, agriculture, and even their prayers.
For Japanese residents in Thailand, understanding this water culture provides an opportunity to deepen their appreciation of Thai life.
Thailand's Climate and Hydration
Daily hydration is especially important for life in Thailand.
Thailand has many hot days, and you can sweat just by walking outside for a short while.
Also, air conditioning is often very strong indoors, causing some people to feel unwell due to the difference between the outdoor heat and indoor cold.
Therefore, in Thailand, even more than in Japan, it's crucial to adopt habits such as:
- Drinking water frequently
- Carrying water when going out
- Choosing water that is easy to drink even at room temperature
- Keeping drinking water stocked at home
Whether you can maintain daily hydration habits naturally greatly affects the comfort of your life in Thailand.
Reasons Why Japanese People May Find Thai Water Different
When Japanese people drink water in Thailand, they sometimes feel:
"It tastes a little different."
"It's hard to drink at room temperature."
"It feels heavy on the palate."
One reason for this is the hardness of the water.
Japanese water is generally soft, and many people are accustomed to its light mouthfeel.
In contrast, water in other countries can be high in minerals or have a heavier feel.
Of course, water preferences vary from person to person.
However, for Japanese people living in Thailand, water that is easy to drink usually has a mild flavor and a soft mouthfeel.
Key Points for Choosing Easy-to-Drink Water in Thailand
When choosing water in Thailand, keeping the following points in mind can make the selection easier.
1. Is it soft water or ultra-soft water?
If you're looking for water that is easy for Japanese people to drink, the first thing to check is its hardness.
Water with low hardness tends to have a soft mouthfeel and is generally easy to drink daily.
Especially for daily consumption, mild soft water or ultra-soft water is recommended.
2. Is it easy to drink at room temperature?
In Thailand, you often carry water with you when you go out, and chilled water quickly reaches room temperature.
Therefore, it's important whether the water is delicious not only when cold, but also at room temperature.
Water that can be smoothly consumed at room temperature is well-suited for life in Thailand.
3. Is it suitable for cooking and beverages?
Water isn't just for drinking.
We also use it daily for coffee, tea, rice, miso soup, and other dishes.
Water with a mild taste doesn't interfere with the flavor of food and drinks, making it convenient for everyday use.
4. Is there a sustainable purchasing method?
In Thailand, people often buy water by the case, but carrying heavy water can be surprisingly difficult.
Utilizing home delivery or subscription services can reduce the hassle of forgetting to buy water or carrying it.
Thai Water Culture and Japanese Water Culture
Thailand has a culture deeply intertwined with water, seen in its rivers, canals, floating markets, and Loy Krathong festival.
Japan, too, has a culture that cherishes water, evident in its hot springs, spring water, tea culture, and shrine purification rituals (temizu).
Despite differences in countries and customs, a common thread for both nations is that water is essential to supporting daily life.
Living in Thailand, you might sometimes miss Japanese water.
In such moments, taking a little care in choosing your daily drinking water can bring a small sense of comfort to your life in Thailand.
▶ Learn more about water conditions in Thailand here
▶ Key points for hydration in Thailand here
What is ONSENSUI99?
For Japanese people looking for easy-to-drink water in Thailand, we recommend:
**ONSENSUI99**
ONSENSUI99 is a natural alkaline mineral water sourced from approximately 750m underground in Tarumizu City, Kagoshima Prefecture.
It is water that has been naturally filtered over many years through geological layers, characterized by its soft and mellow taste.
Reasons Why ONSENSUI99 Suits Life in Thailand
Ultra-soft water with a hardness of 1.7mg/L
ONSENSUI99 is ultra-soft water with a hardness of 1.7mg/L.
It has a soft mouthfeel similar to what Japanese people are accustomed to, making it easy to drink even at room temperature.
For those who are "looking for easy-to-drink water in Thailand" or "want to choose water suitable for Japanese people," it's an accessible option for daily hydration.
Natural alkaline mineral water with pH 9.5-9.9
ONSENSUI99 is naturally alkaline water.
Its pH ranges from 9.5 to 9.9.
Despite being alkaline, it has a mild, refreshing taste with little unique flavor.
Mellow even at room temperature
In Thailand, water often reaches room temperature when you're out and about.
ONSENSUI99 can be enjoyed not only chilled but also smoothly at room temperature, making it suitable for daily hydration in hot Thailand.
Suitable for cooking and coffee
Being ultra-soft and mild, it's not only great for drinking but also convenient for coffee, tea, rice, miso soup, and other daily meals.
Since water is used daily, its versatility as both a beverage and for cooking is a significant advantage.
Comparison Table
| Item | General Mineral Water | ONSENSUI99 |
|---|---|---|
| Type of Water | Varies by product | Natural alkaline mineral water |
| Origin | Varies by product | Tarumizu City, Kagoshima Prefecture |
| Hardness | Varies by product | 1.7mg/L (ultra-soft water) |
| pH | Mostly neutral | pH 9.5-9.9 |
| Mouthfeel | Varies by product | Mellow and gentle |
| Drinkability at room temperature | Varies by product | Easy to drink even at room temperature |
| Compatibility with Japanese people | Varies by product | Likely to suit Japanese accustomed to soft water |
| Ease of use for cooking | Varies by product | Easy to use for coffee, rice, miso soup |
| Ease of use in Thai life | Depends on purchasing method | Suitable for home use and carrying |
Choosing Water in Thailand Is About Arranging Your Life
Just as the people of Thailand have cherished water since ancient times, water is indispensable in our daily lives.
Especially for Japanese people living in Thailand, choosing water may seem like a small detail, but it is actually very important.
When your daily drinking water suits you, you'll increasingly feel:
"It's easy to drink."
"I can continue drinking it with peace of mind."
"Life in Thailand feels a bit more comfortable."
If you're looking for easy-to-drink water in Thailand, or water recommended for Japanese people, please try **ONSENSUI99** once.
Bring the gentle natural water of Japan to your life in Thailand.
That daily glass of water will surely make your life in Thailand a little more comfortable.
FAQ
Q. What kind of water is easy to drink in Thailand?
For Japanese people, soft or ultra-soft water with a mild taste and soft mouthfeel is often considered easy to drink. Choosing water that is palatable even at room temperature will make it easier to maintain hydration habits in Thailand.
Q. Is there any water recommended for Japanese people in Thailand?
For those accustomed to Japanese soft water, low-hardness water is recommended. ONSENSUI99 is ultra-soft water with a hardness of 1.7mg/L, making it a suitable natural water option for Japanese residents in Thailand.
Q. What kind of water is ONSENSUI99?
ONSENSUI99 is a natural alkaline mineral water sourced from approximately 750m underground in Tarumizu City, Kagoshima Prefecture. It is ultra-soft water with a hardness of 1.7mg/L and has a naturally derived alkalinity with a pH of 9.5 to 9.9.
Q. Why is hydration important in Thai life?
Thailand experiences many hot days throughout the year, making regular hydration essential when out and about and in daily life. Consistently drinking easily palatable water contributes to a comfortable life in Thailand.
Q. Can ONSENSUI99 be used for cooking?
Yes. Because it is ultra-soft water with a mild taste, it is suitable for daily cooking and beverages such as coffee, tea, rice, and miso soup.
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