The Ministry of Commerce awarded the Thai SELECT label to 202 quality restaurants nationwide, boosting Thai cuisine's charm as the nation's top soft power and a key economic engine.
Mrs. Supachai Sutthipan, Minister of Commerce, presided over the 2025 Thai SELECT Award ceremony, presenting certificates to 202 Thai restaurants selected from 425 applicants nationwide at the Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen's Park Hotel. Mr. Wutthikrai Leewirapant, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce, and Mr. Poonpong Nainapakorn, Director-General of the Department of Business Development, also attended.
Mrs. Supachai stated that the government and the Ministry of Commerce emphasize elevating Thai restaurant businesses and the food industry as key drivers of the economy. This year, 202 restaurants received the Thai SELECT label after rigorous evaluation by a panel of experts, reflecting national pride that entrepreneurs have maintained outstanding Thai food standards. She congratulated all selected operators and content creators who won awards in the "Thai Food Must Be Thai SELECT" short clip contest for professionals and the general public.
The Minister of Commerce noted that the food industry is a major engine driving Thailand's economy. It is projected that in 2025, the Thai restaurant market will be worth over 572 billion baht annually, growing 4.8% from 2024. This includes full-service restaurants, fast food, and street food, which are distinctive charms of Thailand. Data from the Department of Business Development shows that registered legal entity food businesses have grown on average 25% annually over the past five years, highlighting the sector's potential, strength, and importance.
"Thai food is one of the country's most powerful soft powers, not only generating significant income but also reflecting identity, culture, wisdom, and the charm of Thainess through flavors and ingredients. Thai cuisine acts as a cultural ambassador attracting tourists worldwide," Mrs. Supachai said. She added that the government and Ministry of Commerce are accelerating food soft power promotion through the Quick Big Win initiative to stimulate the short-term economy, create lasting effects, distribute income to communities, and provide opportunities for Thai entrepreneurs in the global market.
Mrs. Supachai added that this year's Thai SELECT awarding confirms that Thai food standards can gain international recognition. She thanked all operators for their commitment to maintaining standards in taste, ingredients, hygiene, service, and restaurant atmosphere, wishing them prosperity and encouraging them to elevate Thai cuisine's international prominence.
Of the 202 restaurants selected for the 2025 Thai SELECT Award, 12 received 3 stars, 30 received 2 stars, and 160 received 1 star. Additionally, six awards were given in the "Thai Food Must Be Thai SELECT" short clip contest. The winning clips will be used to promote Thai SELECT restaurants.
The list of all 202 Thai SELECT restaurants will be published in the Thai SELECT Guide 2025. Promotion will also expand internationally through collaborations with foreign influencers to create content reviewing Thai restaurants nationwide, increasing awareness of the Thai SELECT label and attracting quality international tourists to experience Thai cuisine.
Currently, Thailand has 460 restaurants awarded the Thai SELECT label across all 77 provinces. Thai restaurant operators and those interested in promotional activities through the Thai SELECT label can find information on the Department of Business Development's website.www.dbd.go.thFor more information, call hotline 1570 or contact the Service Business Division, Department of Business Development, Ministry of Commerce, at 0 2547 5954.
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