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Thanachot Lohanimit, Diageo World Class Bartender Thailand Champion 2025

  • Writer: Chomp Magazine
    Chomp Magazine
  • Jul 1
  • 5 min read

Updated: Jul 5


Thanachot Lohanimit, Diageo World Class Bartender Thailand Champion 2025

Thanachot Lohanimit, widely known by his nickname Ong, has reached a significant milestone in his career by winning the prestigious title of Bartender of the Year at the renowned Diageo World Class Bartender Thailand 2025 competition. This impressive achievement not only highlights his exceptional skills and creativity behind the bar but also earns him the honour of representing Thailand on the international stage. He is set to showcase his talent in Canada, where he will compete against some of the world's most skilled and innovative bartenders, all vying for the ultimate recognition in the art of mixology.


Thanachot Lohanimit, Diageo World Class Bartender Thailand Champion 2025

Thanachot's pursuit of the prestigious title has been a remarkable journey marked by perseverance and growth. His initial attempt in the competition dates back to 2018, a pivotal year when he was just an eager intern at the opulent Banyan Tree Bangkok.


Thanachot Lohanimit, Diageo World Class Bartender Thailand Champion 2025

"From my early days as a student, I have harboured a dream to compete in this illustrious competition," he reminisced with a sense of nostalgia. "I was incredibly fortunate that Banyan Tree Bangkok recognised my potential and embraced my ambition, allowing me to participate despite my status as an intern and my yet-to-be-earned degree. Sadly, I faced disappointment as I did not progress beyond the qualification round."


He opted to take a break in 2019, despite his deep yearning to compete in the event, due to unexpected changes and challenges that arose.


"I chose to step back that year because I had just joined Find the Locker Room, and unfortunately, the old Find the Photo Booth was just opened at that time. I was juggling numerous responsibilities, and with our team still in its infancy, I recognised the need to channel my energy into mastering my craft behind the bar. It felt crucial for me to hone my skills and build a solid foundation before diving back into the competitive arena," he shared.



Thanachot returned to the prestigious Diageo World Class Bartender Thailand competition in 2020, and since then, he has become a familiar face, returning annually with a remarkable blend of passion and expertise. Over the years, he has evolved into a seasoned finalist, showcasing his exceptional skills and creativity in various challenges that highlight the art of mixology. In 2024, he proudly triumphed in the highly competitive 100Y Johnnie Walker in Thailand Challenge, where his innovative cocktails dazzled both judges and spectators alike. Additionally, he claimed victory in the Tanqueray No.10 x Seiko Challenge, further solidifying his status as a master bartender in Thailand's vibrant cocktail scene.


Thanachot Lohanimit, Diageo World Class Bartender Thailand Champion 2025

The Diageo World Class Bartender Thailand 2025 event took place at SCB Next Tech, located on the 4th floor of Siam Paragon, from 24th to 25th June. The first day showcased the intensity of the semi-finals, where Thanachot demonstrated not only his technical skills but also his remarkable personal growth. Competing against a diverse array of skilled bartenders, both seasoned professionals and fresh talents, he faced two demanding challenges: the Ron Zacapa Above the Clouds and the Seiko x Don Julio Presage Cocktail Time. His exceptional performance placed him among the eleven contestants with the highest scores, earning him a coveted spot in the final round.



"I felt a wave of anxiety wash over me after nine names were called. When my name finally came up as the last one, it was a bit of a relief," said Thanachot. "To be honest, I've kind of gotten used to this routine since they do it every year."



On the second day, the highly anticipated final round, Thanachot found himself pitted against 10 other skilled contenders, each vying for the coveted title. Among the competition were notable front-runners: Guntarit Ruamthongrat, the charismatic representative of Bar Scofflaws Bangkok; Nipichthorn Junkaew, the vigilant bartender from Mai The Sky Bar at Meliá Chiang Mai; Suparada Teubtung, the cheerful bartender behind Dry Wave Cocktail Studio Bangkok; and Achana Intarangsi, the graceful bartender representing Bar Not Found Chiang Mai. The 11 contestants were tasked with confronting two exhilarating challenges that would test their abilities to the fullest.



The first challenge was the Market Challenge, featuring The Singleton. In this intense round, the finalists were given a budget of 1,000 baht and sent to the bustling Gourmet Market located on the ground floor of the luxurious Siam Paragon. Here, amidst the vibrant atmosphere filled with fresh produce and exotic ingredients, both local and imported, the contestants had to showcase their creativity and ingenuity. They were challenged not only to select the finest components for their concoctions but also to demonstrate their understanding of the brand's guiding principle, the Rule of Three, which emphasises balance and harmony in flavours.



Following the Market Challenge, the contestants faced the Speed Challenge, a true test of their agility and mastery of classic cocktail recipes. In this high-octane round, bartenders raced against the clock, showcasing their skills and deep knowledge of timeless mixes, all while under the watchful eyes of judges keen to see who would emerge victorious.


Thanachot Lohanimit, Diageo World Class Bartender Thailand Champion 2025

Thanachot delivered a captivating performance that not only showcased his immense talent but also left a lasting impression on the audience. His remarkable skills and dedication rightfully earned him the esteemed title, a testament to his hard work and passion for his craft.


Thanachot Lohanimit, Diageo World Class Bartender Thailand Champion 2025

"When I made the decision to enter this year's competition, I thought it might be my final appearance," Thanachot reflected. "With a higher position comes greater responsibility, and I want to retire from competing with honour and dignity. After the announcement of my victory, it felt as if I had finally reached a long-held dream. I was utterly speechless, overwhelmed with joy and a profound sense of accomplishment. I am immensely grateful to my dedicated team, whose unwavering support and experience have shaped me into who I am today."



For Thanachot, winning at the national level marks the culmination of a remarkable chapter in his career. Now, representing his country on the global stage brings both excitement and immense pressure. He knows he must shoulder the expectations of his peers and the community that has cheered him on, but he embraces this challenge with a positive outlook.


"I won't lie—I'm feeling quite nervous," he admits. "Yet, I am genuinely thrilled to compete internationally. While I can't guarantee I'll bring home the championship title, I promise to give it my absolute all."


Thanachot Lohanimit, Diageo World Class Bartender Thailand Champion 2025

He has devoted numerous years to the esteemed Find the Locker Room Group, immersing himself in a vibrant community of mixology talents. Throughout his journey, he has had the incredible opportunity to be mentored by some of the most celebrated bartenders in Asia, including the renowned Collin Chia, the illustrious Ueno Hidetsugu, the skilled Nick Wu, the creative Ronnaporn Kanivichaporn, and the precisian Chenarong Bhumichitr. Remarkably, this year's Diageo World Class Bartender Thailand Champion 2025 may also hold the distinction of being the first Thai bartender to triumph in the prestigious Diageo World Class Bartender Global competition, a testament to his skill, creativity, and dedication to the art of mixology.

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