The festival attracted enthusiastic crowds throughout the day and received an overwhelmingly positive response from New Yorkers, international visitors, and Thai food lovers, reaffirming the growing global appreciation for authentic Thai cuisine and the THAI SELECT certification. Held under the theme “THAI SELECT Playground – Play with Thai Flavors,” the festival transformed one of New York City’s most iconic public spaces into an immersive celebration of Thai gastronomy. As ambassadors of Thailand’s contemporary Soft Power, their participation generated tremendous excitement and further expanded public awareness of Thai cuisine and the THAI SELECT brand among international audiences. The success of THAI SELECT Festival 2026 demonstrates the unique ability of Thai cuisine to connect people from diverse cultures through exceptional flavors, hospitality, and meaningful shared experiences. The festival also reaffirmed DITP’s long-term commitment to promoting Thai food products, supporting Thai restaurants overseas, and expanding international recognition of the THAI SELECT certification.