The 2025 Bib Gourmand list comprises 52 eateries in Bangkok & Surrounding Provinces (seven new entries); nine in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya; 20 in Chiang Mai; 33 in the four representative provinces of Thailand’s Northeast or “Isan” region: 13 in Khon Kaen (one new entry), eight in Nakhon Ratchasima (three new entries), six in Ubon Ratchathani, and six in Udon Thani (one new entry); four in Ko Samui; eight in Surat Thani Mainland; six in Phang-Nga; 19 in Phuket (three new entries); plus five (all new entries) in Chon Buri, the newly covered area of the 2025 Michelin Guide Thailand.
The Bib Gourmand distinction recognises restaurants and eateries that offer great food at budget-friendly prices, namely no more than THB1,000 (US$29; S$37) for a three-course meal.
Gwendal Poullennec, international director of the Michelin Guides, highlighted Chonburi’s vibrant and diverse culinary scene, particularly its focus on fresh seafood, as a valuable addition to The Michelin Guide Thailand’s 8th edition.
“Chonburi, the latest addition to our guide, has thrown open its doors with an authentic and original culinary scene that emphasises fresh seafood,” he said. “Our inspectors have witnessed the incredible diversity of Thailand’s offerings, from innovative modern restaurants pushing boundaries to humble yet exceptional street food stalls. Thailand continues to reinforce its rich gastronomic heritage as a destination where you can eat incredibly well without it being too hard on your pocket.”
Although the THB143.5 million (S$5.4 million) price tag for the Thai government’s initial five-year deal with the prestigious French gourmet guide raised some eyebrows, the decision to launch an annual edition featuring Bangkok and other Thai destinations appears to have been a strategic and effective move.
Thapanee Kiatphaibool, newly appointed governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, expanded on that theme at today’s ceremony.
“Successful collaboration with Michelin has been key in promoting Thailand as a global culinary hotspot,” she said. “The inclusion of Chonburi in this year’s guide emphasizes this diversity further, reflecting the innovation and passion that define our approach. We look forward to Thailand’s culinary fame shining even brighter in the future as we continue to celebrate and elevate this vibrant food scene.”