List of Michelin-starred restaurants in Thailand
| Company type | Publication |
|---|---|
| Industry | Hospitality, Food and Beverage |
| Founded | 2018 |
| Headquarters | Bangkok , Thailand |
| Products | Michelin Guide, Restaurant ratings |
In the 2025 edition of the Michelin Guide, Thailand is home to 36 restaurants awarded Michelin stars. Initially launched in 1900 by the French tire manufacturer Michelin, the Guides were created to stimulate tire sales by encouraging motorists to visit recommended dining establishments. Over the years, Michelin stars have evolved into highly coveted accolades in the culinary world.
Anonymous Michelin inspectors, each possessing a minimum of ten years' experience, assess restaurants based on five key factors: ingredient quality, expertise in flavor and technique, the chef's distinctive style, balance of flavors, and consistency over multiple visits. The rating system ranges from one to three stars—one star signifies "high-quality cuisine worth a stop," two stars indicate "excellent cooking worth a detour," and three stars denote "exceptional cuisine worth a special journey." These distinctions are reviewed annually and can be withdrawn if standards are not maintained.
The Michelin Guide Thailand was first introduced in 2018, focusing exclusively on Bangkok. This initiative was supported by the Tourism Authority of Thailand through an investment of 144 million Thai Baht (approximately ) over five years, aiming to enhance culinary tourism and raise the profile of street food. The Guide has since expanded its coverage to include Phuket and Phang-Nga in 2019, Chiang Mai in 2020, Ayutthaya in 2022, four northeastern provinces (Nakhon Ratchasima, Ubon Ratchathani, Udon Thani, Khon Kaen) in 2023, and most recently Chonburi in 2025. Certain areas featured also highlight recommended establishments without Michelin stars.
List
Criticism
Following the introduction of the Michelin Guide in Thailand, some professionals within the culinary sector voiced apprehensions regarding its influence on Thai gastronomy. Jarrett Wrisley, proprietor of Bangkok establishments Soul Food Mahanakorn, Appia, and Peppina, criticized the guide for encouraging uniform menus and the potential sway of commercial sponsorships. In contrast, several Thai chefs awarded Michelin stars maintain that the guide has not weakened traditional culinary practices, emphasizing that contemporary adaptations continue to respect their heritage. Jay Fai, chef and owner of her namesake restaurant, shared her disappointment about receiving a Michelin star, observing that numerous patrons come primarily to take photos rather than to savor the cuisine.