The government on Monday welcomed CNN Travel's inclusion of three Thai dishes in its new listing of Asia's best 50 street foods.
Anucha Burapachaisri, government spokesman, said Thai foods are an important part of the government's soft power promotion policy.
The three dishes featured by CNN are Kai Jeow Pu (a Thai crab omelette); Khao Soi, curry noodle soup topped with deep-fried egg noodles and Sai Krok Isan, short but plump pork sausage, said Mr Anucha.
Citing CNN Travel's review of the foods, he said, unlike any other types of Thai omelette, Kai Jeow Pu has a good combination of crispiness and tenderness which tastes even better when topped with some chilli sauce.
Khao Soi is a staple in Thailand's north and normally comes with either a stewed chicken drumstick or beef, while Sai Krok Isan is one of the most common street foods in northeastern Thailand, he said.
Sai Krok Isan is a sun-dried sausage made of minced pork and lard mixed with some steamed sticky rice and pounded garlic left to ferment until it tastes slightly sour, he said.
"Thailand has been famous for its unique variety of food, thanks largely to its diverse agricultural practices," Mr Anucha said.
The government has been supporting and promoting Thai dishes, along with other products made locally, as part of the country's soft power initiatives, he said.
On Aug 19, the Prime Minister's Office formed a new board to specifically direct the promotion of Thailand's soft power, said Mr Anucha.
