Thailand is to host the first-ever "Kaphrao Grand Prix" in Bangkok to promote genuine Thai food to tourists and boost exports of regional ingredients.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) governor, Yuthasak Supasorn, announced that the organization will officially promote pad kaphrao, a meal adored by both residents and visitors, for the first time.

Meats including pig, poultry, beef, and shellfish are combined with Thai holy basil and garlic to make pad ka prao. It is provided with rice and may be topped with fried eggs or khai dao, as desired. Soy sauce serves as the primary seasoning.

A similar event was previously staged to promote pad thai, a stir-fried rice noodle dish that is popularly sold as street food in Thailand.

Food, according to Yuthasak, is a crucial consideration for travelers.

The Pad Kaphrao Thailand Championship, which will be held near the Phadung Krung Kasem Canal from August 25 to 27, he continued, looks out for the most genuine recipe and encourages culinary travel.

Given that Thailand is one of the top 15 basic ingredient exporters in the world, Yuthasak stated that food is seen as one element of soft power to boost tourism expenditure.

According to him, the Thai recipe's increased popularity might spur culinary innovation research.

The World Culinary Awards have named Bangkok the greatest culinary city in Asia and Thailand the best culinary destination in Asia for 2023.

According to Yuthasak, the TAT's approach is to use a range of dishes to entice travelers to explore nearby and local attractions.

The TAT expects the tourism industry to generate 2.3 trillion baht ($65.4 billion) in revenue this year, with the food industry making up about 20% of overall receipts.

By 2027, the nation also intends to double the amount of money tourists spend on food, from 20% to 25%.