Thailand promotes soft power through cuisine project

Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra emphasised that Thai cuisine, deeply rooted in the country’s abundant natural resources, is a key pillar of Thailand’s soft power strategy.

Thailand's ambitious plan aims to create 75,000 jobs and generate 3.5 billion baht by 2027. (Photo: Bangkok Post)
Thailand's ambitious plan aims to create 75,000 jobs and generate 3.5 billion baht by 2027. (Photo: Bangkok Post)

Bangkok (VNA) - During her recent visit to Davos, Switzerland, for World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2025, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has reaffirmed Thailand’s ambition to become the “Kitchen of the World.”

The PM emphasised that Thai cuisine, deeply rooted in the country’s abundant natural resources, is a key pillar of Thailand’s soft power strategy.

The Thai government has launched the One Village, One Thai Food Chef project to provide cooking skills to participants from over 75,000 villages across the country, enabling them to become professional chefs and secure additional income.

Speaking at the Amazing Thai Taste to the World event organised by Thailand’s Public Relations Department on February 24, Chef Chumpol Jangprai, an ambassador of Thai cuisine, stated that the project is not only about culinary training but also a strategy for elevating and ensuring the sustainable development of Thailand’s food industry.

Statistics showed that 1,300 individuals were trained under the project last year and the number is expected to rise to 17,000 this year, 26,786 in 2026, and 30,000 in 2027.

Chumphol also highlighted that the project will create more opportunities for Thai chefs to work abroad while using Thai cuisine as a cultural ambassador to enhance global recognition of Thailand.

According to the Department of Foreign Trade by the end of 2023, there were 17,478 Thai restaurants abroad, with 6,850 located in the US./.

VNA

See more

Thailand Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra holds a press conference after the cabinet meeting on March 13. (Photo: Government House)

Thailand sends trade proposal to US

Thailand is among the Southeast Asian nations hardest hit by measures introduced by US President Donald Trump, facing a tariff of up to 36% on its exports if a reduction cannot be negotiated before a global moratorium expires in July.

Deputy Minister of Trade Dyah Roro Esti Widya Putri (R) speaks in a meeting on the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA) Upgrade in Jakarta on May 9. (Photo: VNA).

Indonesia committed to promoting ATIGA Upgrade

The upgrade seeks to modernise the the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA) framework, making it more facilitative for businesses and responsive to regional and global challenges.

Thai students and other passengers, many wearing face masks, ride a boat along the Chao Phraya River. (Photo: Bangkok Post)

Thailand: Covid resurgence ‘no cause for alarm’

From January 1 to May 10, up to 53,676 COVID-19 cases and 16 deaths have been reported in Thailand. Bangkok recorded the most infections with 16,723 cases, peaking during the week of April 27 to May 3 at 14,349 cases, including two deaths.

Indonesia's Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs Meutya Hafid during a meeting with the head of Asia-Pacific of GSMA, Julian Gorman, in Jakarta on May 8. (Photo: Antara)

Indonesia accelerates development of 5G ecosystem

Indonesian Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs Meutya Hafid has reaffirmed the government’s strong commitment to building and strengthening the 5G infrastructure and technological ecosystem both nationwide and across the Asia-Pacific region.

Senior citizens in Paltok Elementary School in Quezon City cast their votes, with the help of their relatives on May 12. (Photo: tribune.net.ph)

Philippines holds midterm elections

About 163,000 police officers have been deployed nationwide to ensure security at polling stations, in coordination with the military, fire brigades and other support units. In addition, the government has extended the early voting period for the elderly and people with disabilities, starting at 5 am on May 12.