Thailand launches street food app and certification scheme

Thailand is enhancing its world-renowned street food scene with a new digital initiative aimed at elevating standards and expanding market reach. The government has launched the "Thai Street Gold Star" application, a digital platform designed to connect diners with certified street food vendors.

The app, initially rolled out in Bangkok, Pattaya, and Chiang Mai, serves as a comprehensive guide, listing participating vendors alongside their recommended dishes, locations, and travel directions. This move is part of a broader government program to improve operational standards, ensure food hygiene and safety, and create greater market opportunities for the country's numerous small businesses.

Vendors seeking certification must meet stringent requirements in three key areas: safety, focusing on food hygiene and sanitation; signature, evaluating the uniqueness and distinctiveness of their offerings; and service, measuring customer care quality. This certification aims to build customer confidence and bolster the competitiveness of Thai street food operators within the crucial tourism market. The initiative also includes training for vendors in areas like digital marketing and AI, further supporting the government's goal of increasing SMEs' contribution to GDP.

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the scheme would help Thai street food operators reach more domestic and international customers while supporting efforts to bring the sector up to international standards.