Dusit Thani College organized the event “Thai Culture Excellence” to highlight Thai identity through four ethnic culinary traditions.

When mentioning the name “Dusit Thani Hotel,” many people immediately think of “Thai hospitality” and “Thainess,” as it was the first internationally recognized hotel owned by a Thai — Thanpuying Chanat Piyaoui — who pioneered the establishment with a vision to showcase the excellence of Thai culture to the world.

This vision has since been passed down as a spiritual legacy to other organizations under Dusit International, including Dusit Thani College, which has been established for over 30 years. The college continues to preserve and expand upon the values of “Thainess” laid down by Dusit Thani Hotel, through refined training in hospitality and the transmission of culinary arts that reflect Thai identity.

To reaffirm this cultural excellence, on April 9, 2026, Dusit Thani College hosted the second edition of “Thai Culture Excellence” following the resounding success of its inaugural event. This year’s theme, “Timeless Flavors of the Thai Regions,” showcased Thai identity through cuisine, art, and knowledge across four ethnic culinary traditions. The event aimed to integrate Thai culinary expertise, present student projects through Project-based Learning, build networks in Thai food and culture, and reinforce Dusit Thani’s Thai heritage, while tangibly elevating Thai culture.

“Dusit Thani College was founded to prepare professionals for the hospitality industry,” said Dr. Attawet Pruegstaporn, Rextor of Dusit Thani College. “We believe Thai identity is powerful and second to none, especially in cuisine. The college has long conducted research in Thai food, such as publishing Thai culinary books, including Royal Thai Cuisine, which recently adapted the poetic verse Kapay He Chom Khrueng Khao Wan from King Rama II into recipes. We believe Thai cuisine, developed over centuries, is a timeless and powerful form of soft power.”

The event featured a variety of engaging activities, including live cooking demonstrations of four ethnic culinary traditions:

· Northeastern (Lao-Viet-Khaew) cuisine by Chef Fai – Sirorat Thaotho, Dusit Thani College alumna and owner of “Ha-Mok” restaurant.

· Southern (Muslim-Chinese and Peranakan) cuisine by Chef Oum – Khanaporn Chanchoetsak.

· Northern (Chinese-Indian, Chinese Haw) cuisine by Chef Nai – Manatthaya Kulphongwadi.

· Central (Indian-Thai Muslim) cuisine by Nithithorn Ajalanon from Teddy Studio.

There was also a panel discussion on “Cultural Diversity of Ethnic Groups Towards Thai Culinary Excellence on the Global Stage” featuring Dr. Warada Phumpaka, Dr. Nipatchanok Nakpinij, Dr. Nakrob Narksuwan, Chef Tak – Dr. Nuti Hutasinha, and Chef In – Narongrit Saekho, moderated by Ajarn Natthawut Promchan, Head of Thai and Asian Culinary Arts at Dusit Thani College.

Additionally, the event included a talk with Ajarn Ton – Anusorn Tipyanon, author of In the Footsteps of Chili Flavors, supported by Thai PBS’s Media and Cultural Center. Visitors also enjoyed numerous food stalls offering Thai savory and sweet dishes, as well as a special serving of Dusit Thani’s signature Khao Chae at the college’s fine-dining restaurant, Mahogany.

This event not only underscored Dusit Thani College’s cultural distinction but also delivered a vital message encouraging Thai society to recognize the value of cultural heritage and to collectively safeguard it for lasting sustainability.