Part of Phibunsongkhram’s nation-building strategy was to develop ‘Thai-ness’ and impose a ‘Thai Great Tradition’ to demonstrate the strength and unity of the Thai nation. His series of decrees from 1939–1942 suggested what could be done to strengthen the Thai economy, to instill national image and pride—and to improve the national diet. Popularizing a noodle dish was one means to that end - Penny Van Esterik, nutritional anthropologist

Image from kiyoraspa.com

Thai Massage has been practised for over 2,500 years and uses a blend of techniques to achieve a state of deep relaxation in the body, mind and spirit. It is a system developed in Thailand influenced by the traditional medicine systems of India, China, and Southeast Asia.... Despite the many foreign influences Thai massage is distinctly Thai and a unique part of Thailand’s cultural heritage

It’s like soy sauce on crack... It’s this umami, kind of sweet, rich, fatty, salt and sharp flavor. You could put it on everything. I think you should try it on ice cream.” - Dan Pashman, The Sporkful

Image from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CckmhXBflrQ

Thais use Sriracha sauce as a condiment to bring some heat to those milder dishes, using it mostly on fried eggs and omelettes. They raise an eyebrow upon hearing of far away places where the Thai sauce finds itself drizzled on people’s french fries, whipped into sandwich spreads, and even measured into cocktails! - Dwight Turner (aka Bangkok Fatty), Bangkok Food Blogger

Vietnamese bánh mì offers a wealth of textures. Crispy bread! Fatty mayo and meats! Crunchy pickles! Hot chilies! Refreshing cucumber and herbs! ...Vietnamese cuisine blends East Asia with Southeast Asia, South Asia and the West. Bánh mì is the perfect hybrid. - Andrea Nguyen, Food Writer and Cook Book Author