THE Tourism Authority of Thailand has unleashed a new weapon in its bid to win back the tourists.

Singapore has the Singapore Sling, America has the Manhattan and the Long Island Tea, and Cuba has it’s Cuba Libre.

And now Thailand has its own tipple, the Siam Sunray.

TAT officials are hoping the drink will become part of the cocktail lexicon and lure tourists back to the Kingdom.

They have labeled the drink ‘Thailand in a glass – the new punch in Thai tourism’.

The Siam Sunray is made with a shot of vodka, coconut liqueur, a dash of chili pepper and sugar, lime juice, and a few slivers of lemongrass and ginger.

It is shaken, not stirred, strained, and served with ice and soda water.

“Successful signature drinks are one way to fast-track holiday destinations onto the world tourism map,” said a TAT official.

“Thailand’s new signature drink is based on Thai ingredients, and is now available at hotels and resorts across the country,” he said.

Bartenders from around the Kingdom competed to create the national cocktail.