The Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP), Ministry of Commerce, is stepping up its global push to advance the Thai food industry through its Thai SELECT Restaurant Capacity-Building and Networking Program. Aimed at bolstering the competitiveness of overseas Thai restaurant entrepreneurs, the initiative seeks to solidify Thailand’s image and drive its cultural soft power through authentic, world-class cuisine. As of May 2026, 1,419 restaurants across 70 countries have successfully achieved certification under the newly updated “Orchid Star” evaluation criteria.
Thai SELECT Symbol Guaranteed as Global Benchmark for Authentic Cuisine
Sunanta Kangvalkulkij, Director-General of the Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP), Ministry of Commerce, revealed that DITP continues to move forward in supporting and promoting Thai restaurants abroad that have been awarded the Thai SELECT mark to grow strongly in the global market. She highlighted these establishments as an important mechanism for disseminating the identity of Thai food, creating a positive image for the country, and concretely driving Thai soft power.
The Thai SELECT mark is recognized as an international quality and standard certification mark for Thai restaurants. It comprehensively covers authentic Thai taste, the selection of quality ingredients, correct Thai cooking techniques according to traditional recipes, and a service and atmosphere that appropriately reflect Thainess—all of which serve as important factors in building confidence for consumers worldwide.
Updated “Orchid Star” Criteria Achieves Certification for 1,419 Restaurants Worldwide
DITP places continuous importance on developing the potential of Thai restaurant entrepreneurs so they can successfully adapt to modern consumer trends and maintain their competitiveness in the long term. Following the elevation of the Thai SELECT mark’s image via the introduction of the “Orchid Star” and newly adjusted evaluation criteria, there are currently 1,419 Thai restaurants abroad that have passed certification according to these new standards, spanning 70 countries worldwide as of May 2026.
2026 Capacity-Building Initiative Focuses on Industry Trends and Commercial Growth
For the current Thai SELECT Restaurant Capacity-Building and Networking Program, DITP aims to strengthen Thai restaurant entrepreneurs worldwide. This is achieved by linking networks, sharing knowledge, developing skills, updating Thai food trends, and exchanging business service experiences. These efforts are designed to elevate Thai restaurant standards abroad, while expanding commercial opportunities and creating wider international awareness of the Thai SELECT symbol.
This specific project brings together 15 overseas Thai SELECT restaurant entrepreneurs from diverse regions worldwide, including the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, East Asia, South Asia, and ASEAN. Participants will experience in-depth, fully integrated activities, including studying Thai food culture from its source in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province, where they will visit historical sites and observe the traditional Thai way of life. They will also study Thai culinary science with Dusit Thani College and participate in the THAIFEX – Anuga Asia 2026 event to connect directly with quality Thai food producers under the Thai SELECT symbol, while exploring the development of the modern Thai food industry.
Entrepreneurs Explore Contemporary Trends and Exchange Perspectives with Industry Experts
Additionally, participating entrepreneurs will update themselves on contemporary Thai restaurant trends in the Song Wat Road area. They will exchange business perspectives with national experts and leading Thai restaurant figures, such as Alisara Sirichumsaeng, Honorary Judge of Iron Chef Thailand, and Pumiphan Iamprames, co-founder and general manager of Baan Nok Kao Krung restaurant. Furthermore, the program will strengthen their knowledge of Thai restaurant market trends through insights from national experts, alongside direct experiences gained by visiting and tasting quality Thai restaurants that have received the Thai SELECT mark in various formats.
Public-Private Integration Establishes Thailand as Leader in World-Class Cuisine
This program represents another important step reflecting the role of DITP in integrating cooperation between the government and business sectors. The collaboration aims to elevate Thai restaurants to international standards, build a stronger network of Thai entrepreneurs worldwide, and push Thai food as one of the country’s most vital soft powers to grow sustainably on the world stage.
The Department of International Trade Promotion remains confident that the continuous development of knowledge, networks, and entrepreneurial potential will serve as an important foundation in maintaining the strength of the Thai food industry, expanding global trade opportunities, and creating a prominent image for Thailand as a world-class leader in quality Thai cuisine.
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