Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin said TasteAtlas' ranking of kaeng tai pla, a famous southern Thai curry made with fish entrails, as the "Worst Rated Food in the World" only showed the food preference of some people.

"Some people may give negative comments towards certain Thai dishes, but many more Thai dishes are at the same time regarded among the best-tasting in the world," he said on Thursday.

Mr Srettha explained that not everyone is keen on the spicy taste of kaeng tai pla. But such a strong character is what makes the dish unique and much loved, adding that it was one of his personal favourites.

He said the government has been successful in promoting Thai cuisine as one of the country's soft power strategies.

The kaeng tai pla, distinguished by its muddy consistency and spicy taste, is made with salt-cured fish entrails, shrimp paste, seafood and various spices.

The dish was listed as the worst on TasteAtlas' website rating, published on March 16, based on a survey of 301,750 people.

The results led to Thai netizens' bafflement as the dish is much loved by many locals, hence the recent trending hashtag "Save Kaeng Tai Pla" on social media.