ABSTRACT
This paper aims to examine the semantic characteristics of words related to cooking methods seen in food names in the Thai language. The results of the examination show that, of the various cookery method words derived from the preparation method verbs, they have mainly been influenced by foreigners coming to Thailand since the Ayuthaya period. Furthermore, in most of those words can be seen the changes Thai people made to foreign cooking method to suit their taste. From studying these cooking method words, inferences can be made about Thai peoples's preference for foods.