Dr Atthaphon Kaewsamrit, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Health, along with Dr Kusak Kukiattikoon, Chief of the Phuket Provincial Public Health Office (PPHO), joined the launch of the initiative yesterday (June 30).
Also present were Suthida Utaphan, Assistant Director-General of the Department of Health and Director of the Food and Water Sanitation Bureau, and Phuket Town Deputy Mayor Supachoke Laongphet along with representatives from the Tourism Authority of Thailand Phuket office (TAT Phuket), the Department of Tourism Phuket office, and community enterprise networks.
Dr Atthaphon Kaewsamrit noted that street food, known in Thailand as “sidewalk food” ("อาหารริมบาทวิถี"), is becoming increasingly popular, especially among international tourists due to its accessibility, convenience and delicious taste.
To ensure Thai street food is clean, safe and appealing to tourists, the Department of Health has tasked the Food and Water Sanitation Bureau with developing and upgrading street food standards under the ‘SAN & SAN Plus’ guidelines, he explained.
The initiative aims to enhance consumer confidence in the cleanliness, safety, quality and service of Thai street food, attracting both local and international tourists, he said.
The "Street Food Good Health from Local to Global" initiative is set to elevate the street food experience in Phuket and serve as a model for other regions to follow, he added.
Dr Atthaphon emphasised that the success of developing and upgrading street food to meet SAN & SAN Plus standards relies on the cooperation of all sectors. This includes:
- Establishing a robust network at the local level between local government organisations, public health officials, food vendor associations, and relevant public and private entities.
- Implementing SAN & SAN Plus standards to ensure food hygiene and safety, along with ongoing measures for monitoring and ensuring food safety, and promoting the consumption of nutritious foods.
- Promoting tourism, stimulating the economy, and enhancing local culture through events and festivals that feature local cuisine and traditional attire.
Ms Suthida added that the Food and Water Sanitation Bureau, as the main agency driving the upgrade of food standards, is committed to maintaining clean, safe and standardised food establishments.
“This will provide consumers with confidence in the quality of the food they consume,” she said.