Inability to access Bangkok's best boutiques and malls due to a rare inundation of red tide at crucial downtown intersections isn't the only plague besetting Thailand's normally vibrant capital.
Ireland's dark elixir from Dublin's historic Guinness brewery has dried up like the mighty Mekong. While a few cans of the famous stout might be found in retail shops here and there, purists have been in withdrawal for the past several weeks as supply of fresh keg draft has all but disappeared.
Realignment of sales and production strategies seem to be at the heart of the problem, as beverage giant Diageo, owner of the brand, reviews its Guinness distribution plans for Thailand.
Rumours indicate the break in supply will be resolved by mid-July. Meanwhile, identifying suitable alternative brews seems a sensible alternative to dying of dehydration - no offence to died-in-the-wool Guinness drinkers.
Murphy's is a qualified Irish competitor, rich in roasted barley flavours with a nutty, slightly bitter hops finish, but alas, not yet available on draft.
Dwyer's is another option - with a bit more rounded flavour - but it risks charges of heresy since it comes from London.
If loyalty to Erin isn't a factor, Coopers extra stout from Australia is readily available in most supermarkets, and at 6.8 per cent alcohol, it packs a wallop comparable to Guinness.
Thinking outside the stout box, try some of Belgium's unique craft brews. While country leader Stella Artois differs little from other mass-produced global brands, Duvel, with its 8-per-cent kick, Hoegaarden, with its wheat-based perfumes, and Leffe, with its amber hue and fruity bouquet, are palate pleasers.
Each is available on draft at the Roadhouse at the corner of Rama IV and Suriwong, and new sister-pub Durty Nelly's at Ekammai and Sukhumwit 63.
Of additional interest might be two new ales from Scottish microbrewery BrewDog. Tactical Nuclear Penguin and Sink the Bismark, at 32 and 40 per cent alcohol respectively, claim the records for beer strength.
Freezing and extracting the frozen water in them concentrates the remaining alcohol in these head-busters. They sell for about US$60 per 330ml bottle - or about Bt4,000 if they're ever in Bangkok.
Bring back Guinness!