Tourism Agency of Thailand (TAT) to push native gastronomy to Russian visitors.
This year Thailand was named as the top global destination for street food by CNN, citing a wide variety of local foods available around the clock.
The country is aiming at becoming a top-tier gastronomy destination in Asia after the launch of its Michelin Guide next week.
‘The TAT will heavily promote gastronomy tourism as well as street food [especially in Bangkok] next year,’ said Yutthasak Supasorn, governor of the authority.
‘Local food will be one of our core tourism products in the coming year.
‘The TAT aims to push the country to become a destination for gastronomy in Asia.’
The tourism chief said: 'The first-ever Michelin guidebook [for Thailand] will help strengthen the country's competitiveness as restaurants will get international certification.
‘I hope that many street food shops in Bangkok and other major destinations will be recognised by Michelin.’
Around 1.3 million tourists from Russia are visiting Thailand annually.
Many are from Siberia and the Russian Far East.