Sacha Walters, Staff Reporter

Left: Satay chicken, a Thai dish which was served at the press conference to launch the Thai Food and Culture Festival. Right: Deep-fried fishcakes, just a taste of the Thai food which will be a part of the Thai Food and Culture Festival. Rudolph Brown/Chief Photographer

The Thai Food and Culture Festival is a week of activities to showcase the culture and food of Thailand, from June 16 to 21 at The Jamaica Pegasus.

"Thailand has this thing where they want to be the restaurant to the world," said Thalia Lyn, honorary consul general to Thailand. She said they are working hard at the event, which will teach Jamaicans more about Thailand, a country from which we import a variety of foods, including coconut water (the canned product which Grace Foods produces), canned fruits, teas, among others.

Thailand is one of the largest exporters of cassava and also a major producer of shrimp and rice.

"Dr Tufton isn't crazy when he says that there is a lot of uses for cassava, and Thailand wants to do everything it takes to assist Jamaica with cassava," Lyn said, during the press launch. A Thai cassava expert will also be on hand during a mini trade show which will run simultaneously with the festival.

The event is a collaboration of The Royal Thai Embassy, Ottawa, The Royal Thai Consulate-General, Jamaica, the Thai Trade Centre, Miami, and The Jamaica Pegasus hotel.

Three Thai chefs are being flown in to prepare authentic Thai food. Daily Thai luncheon buffets and two Thai cooking workshops will also be held at the hotel.

Beautiful cultural exchange

"It's a beautiful cultural exchange and there is a lot to learn over the week of activity," said Nancy McLean, hotel manager of The Jamaica Pegasus.

Other activities will include umbrella painting, an exhibition of paintings done by elephants, a workshop with Phubast (Poo) Chesmethee, a Thailand florist, high tea and fashion show exhibiting the fine fabrics of Thailand.

Contact the consulate general at 969-6777 for a complete itinerary.

Left: Thai curry puffs. Right: Vegetable spring rolls. - Rudolph Brown/Chief Photographer