From Poland to China, Thailand to the United Kingdom, Marriott hotels around the globe were serving up tangy Tom Yum Goong (lemongrass soup) and savory Pad Thai noodle on October 20, 2010 to thousands of customers, associates and officials in an attempt to break the Guinness World Record by hosting the world's largest Thai dinner party.
 
"Thai cuisine has gained worldwide popularity in recent years," said Dominic Sherry, regional vice president, sales and marketing for Marriott International Asia Pacific. "In an effort to restore Thailand's position as a major tourist destination, we are reaching out to customers everywhere with what they love most about Thailand – its food."

The "Worldwide Dinner Event" takes place during Marriott International's customer appreciation week, allowing Marriott properties across Asia, Europe and elsewhere to say thank you to its best customers while treating them to a dinner bursting with flavors and a gift box filled with favorite Thai recipes. The coordination in having the dinners occur simultaneously allows Marriott to compete for the world record.

"We are very excited at the possibility of setting a new world record," Mr. Sherry added. "It has become a real team effort with participation from numerous hotels and resorts around the globe…and extremely exciting initiative to support the wonderful country and people of Thailand."

Representatives from the Thai Tourism Authority and Thai embassies around the world as well as media are expected to join in the festivities.  Some locations will have door prizes offering free trips and accommodations to Thailand. Marriott associate cafeterias at various properties throughout Asia along with Marriott's headquarters in Maryland, USA will be serving up Thai food on that day in support of the exhilarating initiative.