India, Jan. 19 -- The nightlife scene in Thailand shows no signs of slowing down this year. According to Niks Anuman-Rajadhon, founder of some of Bangkok's most influential bars, including Teens of Thailand and G.O.D, bars are increasingly turning inward, prioritising homegrown spirits and locally sourced produce over imported labels.

"The bar scene will continue to move toward local ingredients, starting from spirits to all produce," he says. "Imported products will return to being just other ingredients, as they should be. Bar concepts will increasingly focus on local identity, and storytelling, rather than relying on global templates."

That sense of identity, he adds, is closely tied to a rising demand for originality. Today's drinke...