Confirmed: The Michelin Guide is coming to Thailand, with its first edition to be released by the end of 2017

▲ The Michelin Guide is coming to Thailand. (Photo provided by the business)

Reported by Huang Shiyuan, Taipei

Following the release of the Michelin Guide in Singapore, Shanghai, and Seoul, the Thai edition is set to make its debut. According to Thai media outlet "BK," the Thai government plans to spend 143 million Thai baht to sponsor the publication of the Thai version of the Michelin Guide. The first edition is expected to launch by the end of this year (2017), with the Thai government having signed a five-year contract with Michelin.

The Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants awards ceremony was recently held in Bangkok, and just days later, news broke that the Thai edition of the Michelin Guide has been confirmed — and is even being backed by substantial government funding. This highlights the Thai authorities’ strong push to promote culinary tourism. Although the official scope of the Thai Michelin Guide covers the entire country, the first edition is expected to focus primarily on restaurants in Bangkok, with expansion to other provinces to follow.