Community-based foods promoted to attract tourists

BANGKOK, April 12 (TNA) - The Ministry of Tourism and Sports together with the private sector are promoting local foods nationwide, expecting income from food-related tourism at 750 billion baht this year. Tourism and Sports Minister Weerasak Kowsuwan said that under the “Community Chef” project local specialties from 30 communities in six regions nationwide were being improved to international standard to make them world-renowned. Tourists were changing their behaviors as they were trying local foods during their holidays in the country. That offered opportunities for gastronomy tourism, Mr Weerasak said. Thailand had high potential for gastronomy tourism as it boasted many famous foods including Phad Thai (stir-fried rice noodles), Tom Yum Goong (hot and sour soup with shrimps) and Som Tum (green papaya salad), he said. According to the minister, gastronomy tourism generated more than 500 billion baht for Thailand last year. This year ten local specialties are being promoted to attract tourists. They include pork stew with Chamuang leaves, pork curry with pineapple and curry with shrimp paste. PTT Global Chemical PCL participates in the project by introducing its innovative and environmentally friendly packages for the local specialties. (TNA)