BLACKPINK’s Lisa and Thai supermarkets are not getting enough of this one product that has driven everyone into an online frenzy! No, it’s not your Stanley cups or matcha lattes, we’re talking about Hong Thai! In a world where it only takes one viral video to turn a product into a global sensation, this humble medicinal inhaler is the latest item to blow up online. Here’s Team Unstumbled digging our nose into what makes this inhaler such a global frenzy.
What Is Hong Thai: History Of The Viral Herbal Inhaler
Pick up a bottle of Hong Thai and you’ll realize that it’s quite similar to the Zandu Balm you see at your nearest convenience store. It also smells more or less like a Vicks Inhaler we all are familiar with. While Indians are obsessed with the latter, the Thai can’t get enough of their beloved Hong Thai.
It is an herbal inhaler in a bottle that’s compact, long lasting, and essentially travel-friendly. A Thai entrepreneur, Teerapong Rabutham, also known as Keng, is credited with being the founder and owner of the Hong Thai inhaler.
He’s said to have started his business 20 years ago when he stumbled across a recipe in a newspaper. Eventually, he adopted it into his own formula and started selling it at nearby petrol stations.
It is after years of trial and error and constant feedback that Rabutham finalized the recipe – the one available currently. Today, it contains menthol, eucalyptus oil, camphor, ironwood flowers, patchouli, or borneol – ingredients that instantly relieve dizziness and nausea.
Many Thai press reports state that his business had grown to around 14 million USD by 2022. In Thailand, these inhalers sell for around as little as 60 to 70 INR. However, many brands online sell the same product for a much higher price in India, for around INR 175.
How Thailand’s Hong Thai Became Internet’s Newest Obsession
Social media is a place where trends pick up in an instant and products become overnight stars – the same happened with Hong Thai.
Hong Thai blew up on the internet after South Korean popstar Lisa mentioned how much she loves it. The BLACKPINK member recently appeared in a fun interview where she candidly showed all that she carries in her bag. The travel-friendly, compact size of the bottle makes it an easy fit in your toiletries pouch – making it a must-have during travel.
Out of all the items in her bag, fans were quick to take note of the Hong Thai bottle she carries with her. Lisa, being of Thai origin openly expressed her love for the humble Thai inhaler and that was enough for the product to become the hottest trending product on Instagram.
Not just Lisa from BLACKPINK, but many international celebrities like Chris Hemsworth, Yonghwa, and Jackson Wang were spotted using this inhaler. Clearly, celebrities around the world too aren’t able to get enough of Hong Thai!
Rise Of Thailand As A Tourism Hotspot
Thailand is a country that has emerged as one of Asia’s most popular destinations to visit and there are many factors that have contributed to it. The rise in the popularity of Hong Thai, at least in India, can be credited to a rising number of Indians visiting Thailand each year.
The country is an easy-to-travel destination for most Indians, thanks to reasonable flight and hotel prices. Moreover, the country shares many similarities with Indian culture, making it a preferred destination for Indians – at least in Southeast Asia. Not just that, but Thailand is also visa-free for Indians, meaning you only need to book a flight and fly down to the Land of Smiles!
Firstly, with its warm hospitality, serene beaches, buzzing nightlife, and wholesome culture, Thailand attracts tourists from all over the world.
Secondly, the country is an extremely safe destination for women and queer travelers – and this is one major factor driving tourism in Thailand.
Thirdly, its popularity in pop culture and media only makes more and more people wanting to visit Thailand. For example, HBO’s White Lotus Season 3 was set in Thailand and featured some of the country’s most exotic locales. The impact of pop culture is unmatched, and this is what led to the significant spike in tourism in Thailand.
And now, with the popularity of Hong Thai, it is certain that curious travelers will make their way to Thailand. After all, who doesn’t love going with the latest trends?
Summing Up
So, whether you’re trying to clear a blocked nose or just want to feel a little closer to your favorite K-pop idol, Hong Thai is the tiny bottle that’s making a big noise (or sniff?). From Thai convenience stores to Hollywood handbags, this humble herbal inhaler has officially become a travel must-have. So, the next time you visit Thailand, make sure to pick up a few bottles of this magical product!
