BANGKOK, Thailand – The government is using Thailand’s ranking as the seventh most beloved global cuisine to launch “The Lost Taste” project, which aims to preserve 231 rare regional dishes and promote cultural tourism. Deputy Government Spokesperson Lalida Persvivatana stated that Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul is advancing the nation’s cultural capital to stimulate the economy. The government is building on international recognition from Brand Finance’s Global Soft Power Index 2026, which ranked Thailand seventh globally for its cuisine and twelfth as a top travel destination.
According to the deputy spokesperson, Minister of Culture Sabeeda Thaised directed the Department of Cultural Promotion to launch “The Lost Taste” project, which documents 231 local recipes at risk of disappearing. The initiative seeks to turn these culinary traditions into cultural tourism experiences. To ensure authenticity and quality, the department created the “Thailand Best Local Food” certification, with Classic, Creative, and Innovation categories for traditional and modern recipes.
The project has chosen five model restaurants to feature these heritage dishes. A special dining course and a promotional storytelling series will launch in September 2026 to promote domestic food tourism. The deputy spokesperson noted that this initiative helps keep regional culinary heritage alive, creates sustainable income for local communities, and preserves valuable knowledge for future generations. (NNT)
