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read article https://www.foodrepublic.com/1318428/how-gastrodiplomacy-brought-thai-food-world-stage/
This article talks about how Thailand used what is referred to as Gastrodiplomacy to help the country become more popular globally. Thailand fully invested in any Thai residents that opened restaurants abroad while hiring Thai trained Chefs. It goes on to show how well it worked, because they nearly doubled the amount of Thai restaurants globally 10 years after. It showed people that Thailand was more than a place with beautiful beaches and how it was also a. country of delicious cuisine. And while it may have succeeded it also had its drawbacks because foreigners would also come with ideas of what Thai food should taste like and how many local restaurants have altered their dishes to appease foreigners pallets. But overall the Gastrodiplomacy act was very successful.
This article relates to me because Thai food was the first thing that ever gave me an inkling to visit the country. It was never a goal of mines to visit Thailand. But the first time I tasted Pad Kee Mao I knew they’d have more dishes I would love. After that I began to learn to cook several Thai dishes on my own watching Youtube channels. But I had not yet visited the country. In 2019 when I came for the first time the flavors were even more impactful than what I could manage back home. And that trip I decided I would one day spend more meaningful time in the country to learn more about its food, culture and people. So I can without a doubt say I am here because of Thailand’s Gastrodiplomacy act.
Article: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4802060/
This article under the name “ Health, Happiness and Eating Together: What Can a Large Thai Cohort Study Tell Us?” highlights the profound psychological and social benefits of sharing meals compared to eating alone. It discusses how communal dining fosters stronger interpersonal bonds, enhances mental health, and cultivates a sense of belonging. When people eat together, they share not just food but also experiences, emotions, and traditions, which collectively contribute to emotional well-being. This practice is often deeply rooted in cultural norms, symbolizing connection and mutual care. In contrast, eating alone is linked to feelings of isolation and, in some cases, can negatively impact mental and physical health by reducing the joy and mindfulness associated with meals. The act of sharing food is more than a functional activity; it’s a meaningful ritual that enhances the overall quality of life.
As a foreigner living in Thailand, this concept is especially relevant because Thai culture emphasizes communal eating as a cornerstone of social interaction. Thai meals are traditionally shared family-style, encouraging conversations and sociality around the table. Participating in this cultural practice can be a wonderful way to build relationships, integrate into local communities, and deepen your understanding of Thai customs. It can also help alleviate feelings of loneliness or homesickness that sometimes accompany relocating to a new country. By embracing the tradition of shared meals, you open yourself up to the warmth and hospitality that are integral to Thai society, making your transition to living in Thailand both enriching and fulfilling.
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