While Thai restaurants are increasingly popular in the United States, Thailand is also having a growing influence in the kitchen. Many of the foods Americans buy and prepare at home are grown and processed in Thailand, especially tuna, seafood, pineapple, rice, and chicken.

To date, more than 10,000 companies — including Nestle, Cargill, Unilever, Jelly Belly, and Dole — are all turning to Thailand for its growing food-processing capabilities. But the advantage isn't just in the processing. Most of the produce is farmed locally.

"The world is starting to appreciate what my parents have known all their lives," says Alan Wong, general manager of Kung Fu Plaza in Las Vegas. "Thailand is quickly becoming an agricultural center for the world, one that has increasingly high standards and, recently, better technology."

According to the Thailand Board of Investment, Thai food exports will surpass $33 billion within the next two years and are expected to reach $30 billion this year. Food exports represent more than 28 percent of Thailand's GDP (economy). It employs at least 50 percent of the population.

"Thailand has been the largest processed foods exporter in Asia for many years," explains Atchaka Sibunruang, secretary-general of the Thailand Board of Investment. "The country's emphasis on research and technology is driving the investment we're seeing today."

Thailand As The Kitchen Of The World.

Some of the companies currently investing in Thailand include Cargill (chicken), Jelly Belly (new flavors), and DKSH Holdings (bakery). The reasons these companies look to Thailand are government incentives and an abundance of organic offerings.

"Much like the dishes we create in our Las Vegas restaurant, Thailand is extremely serious about food quality and natural growing conditions," said Wong. "Recently, both India and China have fallen under increased scrutiny over the quality of their food exports. Thailand doesn't seem to have such challenges because so many of our people are farmers at heart."

In addition to new foods, Thailand has numerous specialties (including jasmine rice) that are native to the country. It is such ingredients that the Wong family has imported for years for their restaurant and, for many years, a local Asian market.


According to Wong, most farmland is located in the central region of Thailand (which includes Bangkok). However, as the video shows, the government has made increased investments in helping more mountainous areas to adopt agricultural projects too.

Kung Fu Plaza is the oldest and most authentic Chinese and Thai restaurant in Las Vegas. It was originally opened in 1973 and includes an expansive Chinese and Thai menu. Everything is made fresh to order daily, including various sauces. Whenever possible, Kung Fu Plaza selects organic ingredients for its traditional dishes.