Restaurant Association Proposes 3 Points to Support 700 Billion Baht Food Market

The Thai Restaurant Association revealed on February 9, 2024, that the food market is facing challenges from slowing consumer spending, despite maintaining an estimated value of 700 billion baht. The association is calling on the new government to take urgent actions to support the food industry, particularly small and micro food businesses. The association's key proposals include: 1. Expanding the 'Half-Half Plus' government subsidy program to include restaurants with annual revenues up to 3 million baht, compared to the current 1.8 million baht limit. 2. Increasing support for street food and local food businesses, potentially creating national food festivals and developing food tourism strategies. 3. Promoting street food as a cultural asset, with plans to create food maps across 77 provinces and develop international tourism content. The association estimates that street food businesses could grow to 260 billion baht in 2024, emphasizing the sector's importance to Thailand's economic grassroots.