In a showcase, Her Royal Highness Princess Ubolratana Rajakanya Sirivadhana Barnavadi, alongside internationally acclaimed chef Wolfgang Puck, crafted signature Thai dishes such as crispy noodles and chicken massaman curry. This collaboration gained international exposure through media outlets, including the Los Angeles Times, ABC7’s Eyewitness News, and various social media platforms.
The initiative also featured the Sa Wad Dee Thai SELECT Festival, to present delectable dishes from seven leading Thai restaurants. The event also served as a platform for awarding Thai SELECT certificates to 14 qualified Thai food establishments. With participation from over 200 local media representatives and influencers, the festival generated over 535 media posts, significantly increasing the visibility of Thai cuisine among American consumers while strengthening ties with local Thai restaurants.
The Thai SELECT logo will be a gateway for Thai restaurants and products to gain global recognition for exceptional food and service quality. Currently, 1,664 Thai SELECT-certified restaurants operate internationally out of 18,852 Thai restaurants worldwide. The United States leads with 445 Thai food establishments.
Next year, Thai SELECT plans to collaborate with global influencers who have over 10 million followers altogether to promote Thai cuisine as a cultural soft power, aligning with the Thai government policies. The ambition is to elevate the Thai SELECT certification to Michelin-star-level prestige by increasing the number of certified restaurants and products and refining selection criteria to uphold the highest standards of quality and authenticity.
This collaborative effort represents a significant milestone in promoting Thai cuisine on the world stage, creating new opportunities for Thai entrepreneurs in the food industry. By establishing Thai SELECT as a trusted symbol of Thai culinary excellence, the initiative is expected to boost economic value for Thai businesses while strengthening the Thai identities and brands.
