NEW YORK, US – The Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP) has concluded the THAI SELECT Festival 2026 in New York City, drawing strong public interest and boosting the international reputation of Thai cuisine as one of Thailand’s leading soft power assets while promoting the THAI SELECT certification worldwide. Held at Vanderbilt Hall in Grand Central Terminal under the theme “THAI SELECT Playground—Play with Thai Flavors,” the festival featured 15 THAI SELECT-certified restaurants serving authentic Thai signature dishes alongside innovative culinary creations. Visitors also enjoyed various interactive culinary and cultural activities showcasing Thailand’s diverse food traditions and regional flavors.
Her Royal Highness Princess Ubolratana Rajakanya Sirivadhana Barnavadi presided over the festival’s opening ceremony. Following the ceremony, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce Suphajee Suthumpun accompanied Her Royal Highness on a tour of the participating restaurants. The festival also welcomed internationally acclaimed Thai actors Phakphum Romsaithong and Nattawin Wattanagitiphat, whose appearance helped promote the THAI SELECT brand. According to DITP, the festival demonstrated the growing role of Thai cuisine in promoting cultural exchange, international trade, tourism, and business opportunities while supporting Thailand’s Soft Power strategy. The THAI SELECT program now includes 1,499 certified restaurants across 72 countries and territories, along with 1,072 certified ready-to-eat Thai food products from 118 companies, further enhancing Thailand’s global culinary reputation. (NNT)
