The MICHELIN Guide Thailand announces to extend its reach to Chon Buri, Bangkok’s nearest seaside province, for its eighth annual edition (2025) to be released later this year. The extension makes “Chon Buri” the latest addition to The MICHELIN Guide Thailand’s map, contributing to inspire gourmets and travelers alike to explore diverse and unique culinary offerings across the country’s different provinces and territories.
Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of the MICHELIN Guides, revealed: “Chon Buri has enough to keep travelers occupied during their stays – from beautiful beaches, peaceful temples, local cultural performances, varied festival activities to diverse eateries, stalls, and even a fascinating nightlife. The fresh seafood, unique local delicacies, and beachfront dining experiences are also among other great features. All these shape Chon Buri into a lively tourist destination. Our inspection team can’t wait to explore its gastronomic scene!”
Located only 80 kilometers from the capital city of Bangkok, Chon Buri is a vibrant coastal province popular among not only Bangkokians who seek the nearest escape from hectic work schedules, but also domestic and foreign visitors who travel from far and wide. The tourist attractions in Chon Buri can serve many types of visitors. Apart from local traditions, regional specialties, and fresh seafood; Chon Buri is also a beach lover’s paradise, with well-known destinations including Bang Saen, Pattaya, and Ko Lan.
Thapanee Kiatphaibool, Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, pointed out that The MICHELIN Guide Thailand has played a crucial role in promoting Thai food to the world in a way that affirms Thailand as a top gastro-tourism destination. This substantially supports the government’s national soft-power strategy focusing on the 5Fs of Food, Fashion, Film, Fight, and Festival, which aims to accelerate Thailand’s global competitiveness in terms of tourism.
“Rich and diverse cuisine, or “Food”, is one of the soft-power foundations attracting tourists from all over the world to Thailand. As an influential gastronomic reference to food enthusiasts worldwide, The MICHELIN Guide showcases Thailand’s dynamic and captivating culinary landscape that adds more meaningful value to the country’s tourism industry. The Guide’s expansion of coverage to include Chon Buri is convinced to be of immense benefit to both the province itself and the country as a whole. Among them are increasing the value of local gastronomy, encouraging the use of local ingredients, creating additional economic value for local communities, and elevating the standards of excellence in food quality and service. Under the “Sustainable Tourism” umbrella, all these will serve as a powerful force that helps drive the country’s overall economic growth,” said TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool.
READ FURTHER: 2024: 4 New Restaurants Added to the MICHELIN Guide Thailand