The THAI SELECT Festival 2026, held at Vanderbilt Hall in New York's Grand Central Terminal, concluded successfully, drawing significant public interest and reinforcing Thai cuisine's status as a global soft power. Organised by the Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP) under Thailand's Ministry of Commerce, the event attracted enthusiastic crowds, highlighting the growing global appreciation for authentic Thai cuisine and the THAI SELECT certification.
Her Royal Highness Princess Ubolratana Rajakanya Sirivadhana Barnavadi graced the festival's opening ceremony, adding prestige to the event. The festival, themed "THAI SELECT Playground: Play with Thai Flavours," transformed the iconic venue into a vibrant celebration of Thai gastronomy, featuring authentic flavours, cultural traditions, and interactive activities.
The festival featured 15 THAI SELECT-certified restaurants, each showcasing a range of authentic Thai dishes and innovative culinary creations. Visitors engaged in various interactive culinary and cultural activities, exploring Thai food traditions and regional flavours. The presence of internationally acclaimed Thai actors Mile Phakphum Romsaithong and Apo Nattawin Wattanagitiphat further heightened excitement and expanded awareness of Thai cuisine.
The festival underscored the role of food as a driver of cultural exchange, international trade, and tourism, strengthening Thailand's position as a leading culinary destination. It also reaffirmed DITP's commitment to promoting Thai food products and supporting Thai restaurants globally, enhancing the THAI SELECT brand's international recognition. The THAI SELECT programme continues to bolster Thailand's culinary reputation, supporting entrepreneurs and promoting Thai cuisine as a significant soft power asset
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