In an ongoing effort to promote Thai culinary culture globally, Government Spokesperson Chai Wacharonke disclosed the government’s commitment to culinary diplomacy, intending to boost the worldwide popularity of Thai food. This initiative, exemplified by the Global Thai Restaurant Company, has seen a significant surge in Thai restaurants globally, soaring from 5,500 to an impressive 15,000.
The strategy has positioned Thai cuisine as one of the most sought-after globally, frequently ranking high in international food surveys. The recent “Tasteatlas Awards 2023/2024” is a testament, recognizing five Thai dishes among the top 100 globally. These include Pad Krapow, Khao Soi, Phanaeng Curry, Tom Kha Gai, and Massaman Curry, out of nearly 11,000 dishes.
The Commerce Ministry’s proactive policy further aims to expand the Thai SELECT symbol, a mark of quality for Thai restaurants and pre-packaged Thai food products offering authentic flavors. As of October 2023, there were nearly 17,500 Thai restaurants worldwide, with the United States hosting the largest number, approximately 6,850, constituting around 39% of Thai restaurants overseas. Globally, about 1,400 Thai SELECT certified restaurants span across 70 countries, reflecting the growing recognition of Thai cuisine’s authenticity and quality on the international stage.
