Gastrodiplomacy and Its Impact on Global Cuisine

Overview of Thai Restaurants' Global Presence

• Over 15 Thai restaurants within a half-mile radius in some areas.
• Significant growth of Thai restaurants in America, Europe, and Africa over the past 20 years.
• Discrepancy between the number of Thai restaurants and Thai immigrant population:
  • 1 Mexican restaurant for every 650 Mexican Americans.
  • 1 Thai restaurant for every 55 Thai Americans.

Role of the Thai Government in Promoting Cuisine

• Thai government initiated a program to promote Thai food in 2002.
• Introduction of the concept of gastrodiplomacy:
  • Using food to enhance a country's cultural influence.
  • Intersection of globalization and foodie culture.
• Gastrodiplomacy aims to strengthen national identity.

Case Study: Thai Select Award

• Chalisa Fitts, owner of a Thai restaurant in D.C., awarded the Thai Select by the Thai Ministry of Commerce for authenticity.
• Only 5 out of 65 Thai restaurants in D.C. received this award.
• Thai Select program is part of Thailand's broader effort to promote food globally:
  • Training Thai chefs.
  • Providing loans to restaurateurs.
  • Developing restaurant prototypes for success abroad.

Economic and Cultural Impact of Gastrodiplomacy

• Number of Thai restaurants worldwide tripled to over 15,000 since 2002.
• Increased tourism to Thailand, which is now the most visited country in Southeast Asia.
• Food and drinks account for one-third of tourism spending in Thailand.

Global Influence of Gastrodiplomacy

• Other countries emulating Thailand's model:
  • South Korea: Kimchi diplomacy - investing millions to promote cuisine.
  • Countries like Peru, Malaysia, Lebanon, and Taiwan launching similar campaigns.
  • Japan and the U.S. also engaging in gastrodiplomacy.
  • Campaigns led to diversification of global cuisine.

Emerging Trends in Food Culture

• Rise in interest in diverse cuisines and off-the-beaten-path foods.
• Example of grassroots gastrodiplomacy:
  • Mustafa Nuur, a Somali refugee in Pennsylvania, connects local residents with refugee families through traditional food.
  • Program allows residents to book dinners with refugee families, fostering cultural exchange.
  • Over 3,000 people have participated in this initiative.

Conclusion

• Gastrodiplomacy helps bridge cultural divides and promotes understanding through food.
• It transforms foreign cuisines into part of everyday life, fostering connections across cultures.