Diageo World Class Thailand 2026 Crowns New Champion Ahead of Global Finals in Scotland

Atchana Intarangsi of Bar Not Found wins Diageo World Class Thailand 2026, earning the chance to represent Thailand at the World Class Global Finals in Edinburgh this October

Atchana Intarangsi from Bar Not Found, World Class Thailand Bartender of the Year 2026 Winner

Thailand's cocktail scene has gained another rising star as Diageo unveiled the winner of Diageo World Class Thailand 2026, one of the country's most prestigious bartending competitions. Celebrating its 16th anniversary, the competition continues to elevate Thai bartending talent while reinforcing Thailand's position as a leading destination for gastronomy, hospitality, and cocktail culture.

Held at Gaysorn Urban Resort in Bangkok, this year's World Class competition brought together more than 280 bartenders from across Thailand in a showcase of creativity, craftsmanship, and technical excellence. Emerging as the national champion was Atchana Intarangsi from Bar Not Found, who will go on to represent Thailand at the Diageo World Class Global Finals 2026 in Edinburgh, Scotland, this October.

World Class has become one of the beverage industry's most influential platforms for nurturing bartending talent, and its impact extends beyond the bar counter. According to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), hospitality remains one of Thailand's most valuable soft powers and a key driver of gastronomy tourism, helping create memorable experiences for visitors while strengthening the country's global reputation.

Bogdan Bochkarev from The Fool Speakeasy, 2nd Runner-up, World Class Thailand Bartender 2026

Over the past 16 years, Diageo World Class Thailand has evolved into a stage that inspires bartenders to push creative boundaries while gaining exposure to internationally recognised spirits brands. Thai bars have increasingly earned recognition among Asia's best, reflecting the country's growing influence within the global cocktail industry.

A notable feature of World Class Thailand 2026 was the collaboration with evian® natural mineral water, which introduced a dedicated challenge requiring contestants to incorporate mineral water into their cocktail creations. The competition also partnered with Gaysorn Urban Resort, which served as the venue for the grand finale and underscored its commitment to supporting premium lifestyle experiences in Bangkok.

Tamaryn Cooper from Dry Wave Cocktail Studio, 1st Runner-up, World Class Thailand Bartender 2026

Beyond celebrating individual achievements, World Class Thailand highlights the continued evolution of Thailand's beverage and hospitality sectors. The competition aligns with Diageo's broader commitment to talent development and sustainability through its Society 2030: Spirit of Progress initiative.

The World Class Thailand 2026 podium featured Tamaryn Cooper from Dry Wave Cocktail Studio as first runner-up and Bogdan Bochkarev from The Fool Speakeasy as second runner-up. Additional awards recognised standout performances across several creative challenges, including cocktail storytelling, sensory experiences, modern classics, and ice craftsmanship.

As Thailand continues to build its reputation as a world-class culinary and cocktail destination, competitions such as World Class play an increasingly important role in shaping the next generation of bartenders. With Atchana Intarangsi preparing to compete on the global stage in Scotland, Thailand's dynamic bar scene once again has an opportunity to showcase its creativity, hospitality, and talent to the world.

[PHOTO: Courtesy of Diageo Thailand]