Global Surge in the Number of Thai Restaurants Indicates Significant Growth
Global Thai restaurant presence has soared, tripling from 5,500 to over 15,000 establishments thanks to the Global Thai Restaurant Company initiative.
This move, supported by the Thai government's efforts to promote Thai food internationally, has positioned Thai cuisine as a worldwide favorite.
Chai Wacharonke, a government spokesperson, highlighted this push as a form of culinary diplomacy aimed at increasing the global footprint of Thai cuisine.
The success of the campaign is evident, with Thai dishes like Pad Krapow, Khao Soi, Phanaeng Curry, Tom Kha Gai, and Massaman Curry earning spots in the top 100 of the “Tasteatlas Awards 2023/2024.”
The Commerce Ministry has also been working to grant the Thai SELECT certification to Thai eateries abroad to signal authentic Thai taste.
As of October 2023, the US houses the majority of these restaurants, with 6,850 locations making up 39% of Thai restaurants outside Thailand.
To date, approximately 1,400 restaurants in 70 countries have received the Thai SELECT certification, out of the nearly 17,500 Thai restaurants worldwide.