Thailand’s Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP) will host the THAI SELECT Festival 2026 on July 21 at Vanderbilt Hall in Grand Central Terminal, New York City. The event aims to strengthen the presence of authentic Thai cuisine in the United States, expand recognition of the THAI SELECT certification, and create new commercial opportunities for Thai restaurants, food producers, and exporters.
The United States is one of Thailand’s largest export markets for food products, making it a strategic location for the festival. By connecting American consumers with authentic Thai cuisine, DITP seeks to reinforce the competitiveness of Thai restaurants and promote demand for premium Thai ingredients and food products. The festival is part of a broader strategy to boost international competitiveness of Thailand’s food industry.
A key highlight is the participation of Her Royal Highness Princess Ubolratana Rajakanya Sirivadhana Barnavadi, who will preside over the opening ceremony. Her involvement underscores Thailand’s commitment to promoting authentic Thai cuisine and the THAI SELECT certification globally.
Under the theme “Thai SELECT Playground – Play with Thai Flavors,” the festival offers an immersive culinary experience. Visitors can explore Thailand’s rich food culture through authentic flavors, regional specialties, cooking demonstrations, cultural showcases, and interactive activities. Fifteen THAI SELECT-certified restaurants from across New York will prepare signature dishes, showcasing both traditional favorites and contemporary interpretations.
Internationally acclaimed Thai actors Mile Phakphum Romsaithong and Apo Nattawin Wattanagitiphat will make special appearances, introducing authentic Thai cuisine to broader audiences. Their participation reflects Thailand’s integrated approach to promoting culture, entertainment, and gastronomy as complementary drivers of soft power and the creative economy.
The festival is part of DITP’s broader effort to increase global awareness of the THAI SELECT certification, encourage wider adoption of Thai ingredients by overseas restaurants, and create new opportunities for Thai food exporters. THAI SELECT is Thailand’s official certification mark awarded by the Ministry of Commerce to restaurants and food products that meet standards of authentic Thai taste, quality, and culinary excellence. It serves as a trusted guide for consumers seeking genuine Thai dining experiences.
By strengthening the international profile of authentic Thai cuisine, DITP supports sustainable growth across Thailand’s food value chain and reinforces the country’s position as a leading culinary destination. The THAI SELECT Festival 2026 demonstrates how culinary diplomacy can generate tangible economic value by strengthening consumer confidence, supporting Thai entrepreneurs overseas, and creating new opportunities for trade, investment, tourism, and long-term business partnerships between Thailand and the United States.
