Events such as the newly launched 'Thai Restaurant Week 2025: A Thai Culinary Journey in Qatar' draw visitors to Thailand and position the Gulf nation as a popular culinary tourism hub, Thai ambassador Sira Swangsilpa said.

Speaking to Gulf Times on the sidelines of the 10-day gastronomic celebration’s opening on Thursday at Grand Hyatt Doha Hotel, the envoy highlighted the significant tourism flow between the two countries, revealing that over 40,000 Qataris visited Thailand in 2024 alone.

This number, he noted, excludes other GCC nationals, underscoring the strong travel interest from Qatar.

“Absolutely!” Swangsilpa stressed when asked about the impact of such events on attracting visitors to Thailand. “But likewise, it is not only one-way tourism”.

He pointed out that by hosting more events like the Thai Restaurant Week, Qatar itself can cultivate its identity as a tourism destination, particularly in the culinary sphere.

Swangsilpa said a greater number of these culinary events in Qatar could transform the nation into a significant tourism hub, especially for food lovers, capitalising on its lively food scene to achieve a reciprocal tourism benefit.

The envoy also projected continued growth for Thai restaurants within Qatar, citing the current count of over 20 establishments, both within and outside hotels. This expansion, he attributed to the deep-rooted cultural and people-to-people relations that have flourished over the past 45 years of diplomatic ties between Thailand and Qatar.

“Every sector, every dimension of our relations is strong not only political and economic, but also people-to-people and cultural through our Thai traditions, Thai food,” Swangsilpa said.

He emphasised that the Thai embassy in Doha remains committed to fostering this cultural exchange, collaborating with local Thai restaurants and actively seeking the support of Qatari friends.

This initiative, he added, not only enriches Qatar’s cultural diversity but also solidifies the bonds of friendship between their peoples.

About the widespread popularity of Thai food in Qatar and the region, Swangsilpa pointed to a crucial element beyond the dishes themselves: hospitality.

“Not only our cuisine but our hospitality. Thai people always extend our hearts to our guests,” he said. This feeling of warmth and welcome, he noted, is palpable whether one visits Thailand or any Thai establishment, including the restaurants in Qatar, which feature Thai chefs, waiters, and authentic decorations to evoke that characteristic Thai spirit.

The launch of Thai Restaurant Week 2025, with the participation of 13 Thai restaurants across Qatar, welcomed more than 100 guests, including Wasan al-Baker, director of Food Safety Department at the Ministry of Public Health, ambassadors, and food enthusiasts, among other guests.

“This initiative goes beyond dining, it is about inspiring a passion for Thai food, honouring the creativity of Thai restaurants in Qatar, and promoting meaningful cultural exchange between our two countries,” Swangsilpa said.