Curated News
By: NewsRamp Editorial Staff
July 30, 2026
THAI SELECT Festival 2026 Brings Authentic Thai Flavors to NYC
TLDR
- DITP's THAI SELECT Festival boosts global recognition of Thai cuisine, creating business opportunities for Thai entrepreneurs and enhancing competitiveness.
- The THAI SELECT certification program awards authenticity standards to restaurants and products, with 1,499 certified restaurants across 72 countries.
- The festival connected diverse cultures through Thai flavors and hospitality, strengthening cultural exchange and economic opportunity for all.
- Thai actors Mile and Apo energized the festival, showcasing Thailand's contemporary soft power alongside traditional cuisine.
Impact - Why it Matters
This festival matters because it showcases how Thailand is leveraging its culinary heritage as a powerful Soft Power asset to boost cultural exchange, tourism, and economic opportunities. For food lovers and global consumers, the THAI SELECT certification offers a trusted guide to authentic Thai dining experiences worldwide, ensuring quality and cultural integrity. The event's success in New York highlights the growing global demand for diverse cuisines and the role of food diplomacy in strengthening international ties. Moreover, it opens doors for Thai entrepreneurs and exporters, reinforcing Thailand's position as a leading culinary destination while providing consumers with access to premium Thai products and dining experiences.
Summary
The Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP), Ministry of Commerce of Thailand, successfully concluded THAI SELECT Festival 2026 at Vanderbilt Hall, Grand Central Terminal in New York City. The event attracted enthusiastic crowds and received overwhelmingly positive responses from New Yorkers, international visitors, and Thai food lovers, reaffirming the growing global appreciation for authentic Thai cuisine and the THAI SELECT certification. Her Royal Highness Princess Ubolratana Rajakanya Sirivadhana Barnavadi presided over the opening ceremony, adding significant prestige and underscoring Thailand's commitment to promoting its culinary heritage. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce Mrs. Suphajee Suthumpun accompanied the Princess on a tour of all 15 participating THAI SELECT-certified restaurants, each showcasing signature dishes and innovative creations.
Held under the theme “THAI SELECT Playground – Play with Thai Flavors,” the festival transformed the iconic space into an immersive celebration of Thai gastronomy. Visitors experienced authentic flavors, cultural traditions, and interactive activities, including culinary workshops and cultural performances. A major highlight was the appearance of internationally acclaimed Thai actors Mile Phakphum Romsaithong and Apo Nattawin Wattanagitiphat, who met with fans and boosted public awareness of Thai cuisine and the THAI SELECT brand. The festival demonstrated the power of food to connect diverse cultures and highlighted its role in driving cultural exchange, trade, tourism, and economic opportunity.
The success of THAI SELECT Festival 2026 reaffirms DITP’s long-term commitment to promoting Thai food products, supporting overseas Thai restaurants, and expanding international recognition of the THAI SELECT certification. As noted in the Media OutReach Newswire release, the THAI SELECT program now includes 1,499 certified restaurants across 72 countries and territories, along with 1,072 certified ready-to-eat products. Through initiatives like this festival, Thailand strengthens its global culinary reputation and advances its Soft Power strategy on the world stage.
Source Statement
This curated news summary relied on content disributed by Media Outreach. Read the original source here, THAI SELECT Festival 2026 Brings Authentic Thai Flavors to NYC
