Prayuth turns down chance to eat food from Michelin-starred street vendor Jay Fai

The PM, left (Photo: Thai PBS), and Jay Fai, right (Photo: Michelin).
The PM, left (Photo: Thai PBS), and Jay Fai, right (Photo: Michelin).

Thai PM Prayuth Chan-ocha said no last month when offered a meal from Michelin-starred street food star Jay Fai for himself and his cabinet members.

Apparently, the day after picking awarding her star, Michelin officials called Government House to try and arrange a private meal by Jay Fai, also known by her real name of Supinya Junsuta, for the cabinet.

However, they were mysteriously turned down.

Yesterday, Government Spokesman Lt. Gen. Sansern Kaewkamnerd finally commented on the situation, giving a sensible excuse for the denial. He said that Prayuth did not want to appear as if he was accepting or advocating a flashy lifestyle for himself or his staff, reported The Nation

“In my opinion, I think he may not want the public to feel he is an example of a leader who eats expensive food,” Sansern said.

Though Jay Fai’s food is pricy for street fare — their famous crabmeat omelette starts at THB800 (US$25) —  it’s not overly ostentatious and it’s likely the PM often eats food in this price range.

We might have seen his hesitation if he was offered food at some of other 14 Bangkok restaurants to earn a Michelin star. For example, at the two-star Le Normandie inside the Mandarin Oriental hotel, a main course can set you back as much as THB7,800 (US$242), according to Frommer’s.

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