DITP Boosts Thai SELECT Network Globally for International Standards

MGR Online•Economy•1d ago

Reader Briefing

The Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP) is expanding its global Thai SELECT network to enhance Thai restaurants' international standing and promote Thai cuisine as a soft power.

•The DITP is strengthening its global network of Thai SELECT certified restaurants to elevate their international standards.
•The program aims to improve the capabilities of Thai entrepreneurs abroad, enhance Thailand's image, and promote Thai cuisine as a soft power.
•A recent program in 2026 involved 15 restaurants worldwide, including cultural immersion and participation in THAIFEX – Anuga Asia 2026.

Overview

•The Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP) is continuing to develop and build networks for Thai restaurants that have received the Thai SELECT mark.
•The Thai SELECT mark is a certification of quality and international standards for Thai restaurants, covering authentic taste, quality ingredients, traditional cooking methods, and Thai ambiance and service.
•As of May 2026, 1,419 Thai restaurants in 70 countries worldwide have been certified under the new criteria after the Thai SELECT mark's image was enhanced with the "Orchid Prestige Star" and updated evaluation criteria.
•The Thai SELECT certified Thai restaurant development and network building program for 2023 aims to strengthen Thai restaurant entrepreneurs globally.
•The program includes connecting networks, sharing knowledge, developing skills, updating Thai food trends, and exchanging service business experiences to raise international standards.
•Fifteen Thai restaurant entrepreneurs from various regions participated in the program, which included studying Thai food culture in Ayutthaya and visiting historical sites.
•Participants attended THAIFEX – Anuga Asia 2026 to connect with quality Thai food producers under the Thai SELECT mark and explore new developments in the Thai food industry.
•The DITP believes continuous development of knowledge, networks, and capabilities will be a crucial foundation for maintaining the strength of the Thai food industry, expanding trade opportunities, and creating a distinct image for Thailand as a world leader in quality Thai cuisine.

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Key Quotes

Sunanta Kangvalkulkij

"The department continues to support and push Thai restaurants abroad bearing the Thai SELECT mark to grow strongly in the global market as a key mechanism to disseminate Thai culinary identity, build national image, and concretely drive Thai soft power."

กรมฯ ยังคงเดินหน้าสนับสนุนและผลักดันร้านอาหารไทยในต่างประเทศที่ได้รับตราสัญลักษณ์ Thai SELECT ให้เติบโตอย่างแข็งแกร่งในตลาดโลก ในฐานะกลไกสำคัญในการเผยแพร่อัตลักษณ์อาหารไทย สร้างภาพลักษณ์ประเทศ และขับเคลื่อนซอฟต์พาวเวอร์ไทยอย่างเป็นรูปธรรม

Key Entities

Organization

Department of International Trade Promotion(กรมส่งเสริมการค้าระหว่างประเทศ)ℹ️

The organization driving the Thai SELECT program to promote Thai restaurants globally.

Ministry of Commerce(กระทรวงพาณิชย์)ℹ️

The ministry overseeing the Department of International Trade Promotion.

Dusit Thani College(วิทยาลัยดุสิตธานี)ℹ️

An educational institution where participants learned about Thai culinary arts.

Baan Nok Khao Krung Restaurant(ร้านอาหารบ้านนอกเข้ากรุง)

A restaurant whose co-founder participated in sharing business perspectives with program participants.

Policy

Thai SELECT

A certification mark for Thai restaurants that signifies international quality and standards.

Orchid Prestige Star(ดาวเกียรติยศรูปดอกกล้วยไม้)

An enhancement to the Thai SELECT mark's image involving updated evaluation criteria.

Person

Sunanta Kangvalkulkij(นางสาวสุนันทา กังวาลกุลกิจ)

Director-General of the Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP) who commented on the program's progress.

Alissara Sirichumsang(อลิศรา ศิริชุมแสง)

An honorary director of Iron Chef Thailand who shared business perspectives with participants.

Phumipan Iamparames(ภูมิพันธ์ เอี่ยมปรเมศวร์)

Co-founder and General Manager of 'Baan Nok Khao Krung' restaurant who shared business perspectives with participants.

Place

Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province(จังหวัดพระนครศรีอยุธยา)ℹ️

A location visited by program participants for immersion in Thai food culture and history.

Song Wat Road(ถนนทรงวาด)

A district where participants experienced contemporary Thai restaurant trends.