One More Nathan's Eating Contest Qualifier

Thai eating officials recently contacted the IFOCE with an offer to sponsor an American eater to represent Thailand in the Nathan’s Famous International July Fourth Hot Dog Eating Contest.

The Pattaya Chonburi Nathan's qualifier was reportedly cancelled due to weather. Hoping to maintain the Southeast Asian nation's pressence in the event, Thai officials issued a formal request to have the IFOCE run a qualifying contest to select a Thai representative.

Niran Suchin of Pattaya Chonburi stated that the country “longs to be on the worldwide stage of Coney Island -- if not in person, in spirit.”

Talks between the IFOCE and Suchin concluded late last night and the IFOCE has announced that it will conduct the Thai qualifier in Coney Island on July 3. Spots will be restriected to Thai citizens and eaters who have competed, without qualifying, in at least one US Nathan's qualifier.

“We will comply with the Thai request in the spirit of global harmony," said the IFOCE's Matt Rizzetta.