THAI FOOD A TOURISM DRAWCARD

       Allied organisations in the tourism industry will stage two major events next month aimed at boosting domestic toruism and promoting Thai products in global markets.
       The events, both concerning Thai cisine, will be called "Amazing Taste of Thailand" and "Thailand Brand".
       The first, to be held in Bangkok from september 24-28, will be staged by the Toruism Authority of Thailand (TAT),the Department of Export Promotion, the Thai Hotels Association, the Association of Domestic Travel and the Thai Restaurants Association.
       Juthaporn Rerngronasa, deputy governor for marketing communications at the TAT, said Thai cuisine was one of the authority's foremost priorities linked with trave and tourism.
       The Commerce Ministry plans to increase the number of Thai restaurants abroad form 13,000 now to 15,000 next year as part of the second phase of Thailand's Kitchen of the World" project, she said.
       Many of the restaurants, ranging from elegant upmarket outlets to fast-food takeaways, are set up by This living abroad, Thai wives of expats and former students, as well as foreign entrepreneurs who simply fall in lovewith Thai food.
       In 2007, vistors to Thailand spent an average of Bt4,120 per person per day, of which Bt731, or 17.74 per cent, was spent on food and beverages.
       The second event will be held simultaneously in Bangkok and other leading tourist destination. It will be targeted at chefs and owners of Thai restaurants abroad who will meet local restaurant owners, chefs and companies invloved in the production and distribution of Thai agricultural products.
       "About 500 participants will join this campaign, including woners, managers, chefs of Thai restaurants abroad, famous chefs from man parts of the world and food critics and writers," Juthaporn said. "The two events will provide opportunites for operators to expand their businesses, both in Thailand and abroad."