Lisbon: A product of Thailand, the 100-year-old Ayutthaya Longan Ice Cream, has emerged victorious on the global stage by winning the world championship, further enhancing Thailand's soft power and creating a reputation on the international food platform.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Sasikarn Wattanachan, Deputy Government Spokesperson, announced that the government extends its commendations and congratulations to Mr. Watcharapong Radomsittipat, also known as 'Mayor U'. He is credited with developing and promoting the local product '100-Year-Old Lamut Ice Cream, Ban Mai' from Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province. This achievement has brought recognition to Thailand by securing the first prize in the ice cream category at the prestigious Gourmand Awards 2024, which took place in Lisbon, Portugal, and is regarded as the Oscars of the world's food industry.
This accomplishment serves as an honor not only for Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province but also exemplifies the potential of local ingredients, such as sapodilla, to be transformed into a product with global appeal through innovation rooted in local wisdom and creative development processes. It represents an elevation of Thai local food's soft power in the global arena and acts as a significant impetus to promote cultural tourism and gastronomy tourism. This is particularly relevant for Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province, a world heritage site renowned for its rich history, culinary offerings, and vibrant community lifestyles.
Ms. Sasikarn emphasized the government's commitment to supporting local communities nationwide in their efforts to develop unique products and services that could serve as 'new attractions' for tourism and the food industry. The aim is to position Thailand as a central hub of soft power in ASEAN in the future.