Tourists come to Thailand for the food, then the shopping, the hospitality and the street food bring in a lot of money for the people and the economy .
A 2023 study by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) of the National Institutes of Health , USA, indicated that culinary tourism has become a trend in the global tourism industry in the 21st century. Street food, as defined by NCBI, is the service and eating activities in public places, including stalls and street vendors at local markets, sidewalks, and festivals. Pushcarts are often used to prepare and sell freshly prepared meals.
Bangkok's night market is filled with food stalls. Photo: Agoda
The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) reported that there were 1,460 million international tourist arrivals in 2019, generating $1,481 billion in food and beverage revenue. During travel, food and beverage spending accounts for more than 30% of total expenses.
In Thailand, international tourists spent about $8.8 billion on food out of an average pre-pandemic total tourism revenue of more than $71 billion, showing that culinary tourism plays an important role in Thailand's total economic revenue.
Chattan Kunjara Na Ayudhya, an official at the Tourism Authority, said the main reason tourists come to Thailand is food, followed by shopping and the hospitality of the people.
Many tourist destinations are targeting street food as a tourism marketing strategy. About 20% of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) budget is spent on promoting culinary tourism. More than 150,000 food service providers are operating in Thailand, with a market capitalization of nearly 1 billion baht (about 27 million USD). There are about 103,000 street food vendors, accounting for nearly 70% of all food establishments. Tourists to Thailand spend about 20% of their travel budget on food and beverages.
“The coexistence of street food and tourism experiences is an attraction that connects tourists to locals,” the NCBI report reads.
NCBI also conducted a survey for international tourists to rate the street food system in Thailand. Most tourists appreciated the pleasant atmosphere that street food areas bring, affordable prices, fresh food, friendly staff, and attractive aromas.
A street stall selling fast food in Thailand. Photo: Agoda
The power of street food in Thailand is more than just a quick bite to eat, it’s a way of life. From the bustling night markets of Bangkok to the small villages of the countryside, street food is a force that brings people together as they gather to enjoy the food.
Besides, street stalls also help many Thai people earn enough money to support their families, even have surplus.
"Street food is having a significant impact on the Thai economy. It creates jobs, brings in foreign currency and helps create a more vibrant culinary culture," commented Thailand's leading website for providing travel information.
From the development of street food, the Thai tourism industry has created an equally attractive product: street food tours. This is the perfect choice if tourists want to explore Thailand in a unique and interesting way.
"Street food vendors are the economic lifeblood of Thailand. Living in Thailand, you cannot help but realize the indispensable role street food plays for both locals and tourists," according to ChiangMaicitylife, a leading travel website in Chiang Mai.
Diners line up to buy food at a street stall in Thailand. Photo: Nationthailand
The owner of a small stall selling fried chicken and sticky rice in Chiang Mai said each meal costs 50 baht. Before the pandemic, they earned 8,000 baht a day. After deducting expenses, their daily profit is 2,500 baht. They open six days a week, earning 65,000 baht (nearly $1,800) a month. That’s enough to feed their family and save up to buy a car, buy a house, and pay for their two children’s education. The stall’s income is double the average monthly income of Thais, according to data from the SCMP. After the pandemic, the stall owner earns less, about 39,000 baht a month. But it still helps the family survive.
“No matter what you choose, it will be the best and cheapest meal of your trip,” says Australian Elliot Rhodes, who shares his love of Thai street food.
Anh Minh (According to SCMP, NCBI, National Thailand )
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