Chatrium Grand Bangkok Crowns the Winner of the Écailler Oyster Competition 2026

Words: Pasuta Phongam Photos: Chatrium Grand Bangkok & Pasuta

Chatrium Grand Bangkok brought the second edition of the Écailler Oyster Competition to a close on 4 July 2026, marking one of the principal events in this year’s Oyster World Cup Gastronomy Series.

Held across June and July, the eight-week programme positioned the hotel as a meeting point for chefs, oyster producers, mixologists and culinary specialists from more than eight countries. The series moved between dinners, masterclasses and competitions, with a focus on the skill, provenance and service culture surrounding oysters.

Organised in collaboration with France Écaille, Disciples Escoffier Thailand and EDELWEISS, the Écailler Oyster Competition was developed to raise professional oyster-opening standards in Thailand. Contestants were judged not only on speed and precision, but also on presentation, technique and their ability to communicate the character of the product.

This year’s title went to Chef Pong, Chanwit Sae-lee, of Chatrium Grand Bangkok. His win includes a professional learning experience in France, where he will continue his training and exchange knowledge with established figures in the oyster industry.

Chef Yee, Phansa Khumbun, of Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit was named first runner-up, while Chef Kla, Kajornyot Jongraktrakul, of The Standard Bangkok took second runner-up.

The event was attended by H.E. Jean-Claude Poimboeuf, Ambassador of France to Thailand; Jérôme Desquiens, Director of Business France in Thailand; Gopal Jagota, Director of Business Development at Jagota Brothers Trading Co., Ltd.; and Stacey James Walton, General Manager of Chatrium Grand Bangkok.

Alongside the competition, French oyster producer Adrien Geay of Geay Oyster led an Oyster Masterclass exploring selection, opening, serving and tasting.

The session offered guests and hospitality professionals a closer look at the technical decisions behind oyster service, from shell quality and handling to presentation at the table.

The wider festival was supported by Jagota, Trip.com, The Mall Group, France Écaille, Disciples Escoffier Thailand and EDELWEISS. Together, the programme reflected a growing interest in specialist culinary craft, while giving Thai chefs a platform to test their skills against international standards.

Rather than treating oysters simply as a luxury ingredient, the series placed emphasis on the people and techniques behind them — from producers and écaillers to chefs and service teams. In doing so, Chatrium Grand Bangkok continued to shape its culinary identity through events that combine hospitality, education and competition.

Chatrium Grand Bangkok Reserve: +66 (0) 2126 7999 Contact: info.cgb@chatrium.com Socials: chatrium.com/grandbangkok/oysterworldcupgastronomyseries2026