Gloomy outlook dampens prospects for eateries

Mr Thitid recommends restaurant operators consider closing down hunderperforming establishments.

- KUAKUL MORNKUM

The outlook for the restaurant industry in 2026 appears grim as there are no new positive factors. A Thai Michelin-starred chef urged restaurant operators to think carefully about business expansion.

Thitid Tassanakajohn, a renowned Thai chef and restaurateur, said the restaurant industry last year was affected by people cutting back their budgets for dining out and a stagnant economy, while foreign tourist arrivals declined year-on-year.

Thailand recorded nearly 33 million foreign arrivals in 2025, down 7.23% year-on-year, according to the Tourism and Sports Ministry.

Mr Thitid, the owner of several restaurants including the Michelin-starred Le Du and Nusara, predicts 2026 will be a tougher year for restaurateurs compared with 2025.

He expects customer spending power to remain weak this year.