Deputy Secretary-General to the Prime Minister for Political Affairs and Acting Government Spokesperson Anucha Burapachaisri said that Prime Minister and Defense Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha was pleased to have learned about the ranking of Thai iced tea, which reflects Thailand’s unique food culture.

Mr. Anucha stated that Thai iced tea has been popular and well recognized among both local and foreign consumers. In 2018, it was ranked 27th among the world’s 50 most delicious drinks by the website CNN Travel.

In the foodie website TasteAtlas.com, Thai iced tea scores 4.7 out of 5 stars. In its report, TasteAtlas writes, “An authentic Thai iced tea is a combination of strong black tea, condensed or evaporated milk, sugar, and spices that is served over crushed ice. Traditionally, the drink is made with loose-leaf black tea such as Assam, Ceylon, or Keemun tea varieties, while the additions usually include crushed tamarind, anise, or cardamom.

“However, both street and restaurant versions nowadays often incorporate with pre-packed tea mix that contains food coloring, which gives the tea a distinctive and unnatural orange tint, while the traditional version should have a deep amber hue. The tea is usually chilled before it is combined with ice. Thai iced tea is sold by street vendors, but it is also available at various restaurants, both in Thailand and abroad.”

According to TasteAtlas, the top 10 non-alcoholic drinks include (1) Hong Kong-style milk tea, Hong Kong, (2) Aguas frescas, Mexico, (3) Chai Masala, India, (4) Maghrebi mint tea, North Africa, (5) Horchata, Mexico, (6) Salep, Türkiye, (7) Thai iced tea, Thailand, (8) El submarino, Argentina, (9) Ristretto, Italy, and (10) Darjeeling, India.

Mr. Anucha said that the Prime Minister emphasized the promotion of different categories of Thailand’s soft power, which is believed to be second to none. Thai food, in particular, is internationally recognized for its distinctive flavors, and it also helps create more value for the Thai economy.

The Thai government has been carrying out the project “Thai Kitchen to the World” through five policies aimed at (1) supporting food safety by facilitating trade, (2) improving livelihoods and well-being, (3) promoting the sustainability of natural resources, (4) promoting innovation and technology in the agricultural and food sectors, and (5) creating a balance of economy, society, and the environment.